Macedonia's opposition warns of parliamentary boycott, escalation of protests

SKOPJE, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The largest opposition party in Macedonia, VMRO-DPMNE, warned on Wednesday that it would start parliamentary boycott as well as continue with protests until its six MPs were set free from any allegation.

On Monday, a court in Skopje ordered 30-day detention for three MPs of VMRO-DPMNE and house arrest for three others.

They were accused of involvement in the violent events that took place in Macedonia's parliament on April 27 while the new Speaker was elected.

The VMRO-DPMNE condemned the court's order against its six MPs, with its leader calling the detention illegal.

The party said in a statement that it would not return to the Parliament, because according to VMRO-DPMNE, there was no room for dialogue and reforms.

At a time when Macedonian government is seeking to step up efforts for the realization of several reforms, especially the European Union related reforms, a parliamentary boycott of opposition would be a step back to achieve such objectives.

This is why political experts and also international community here urged the political class to cooperate and put national interests above their party interests. Enditem