VIENNA – The United States was disappointed that President Ivanov declined to offer the opportunity to form a new government to representatives who have a clear parliamentary majority, and he was asked to reconsider him decision, reads the statement from a speech by the Head of the US Mission to the OSCE, Kate Burns on the political situation in Macedonia, Meta reports.
“Together with our NATO allies and EU partners, the United States has been closely following the process of government formation in Macedonia triggered by the December 11, 2016 parliamentary elections.The United States was disappointed that President Ivanov declined to offer the opportunity to form a new government to representatives who have a clear parliamentary majority. We believe this action was inconsistent with OSCE commitments, basic democratic principles, and the rule of law, which are core values of this Organization”, said the statement from the US Mission to OSCE.
As a strategic partner and and friend of Macedonia, and with full respect for its sovereignty and unity, stresses the statement, the US Mission to OSCE urges President Ivanov to reconsider his decision.
“We also urge the government, political leaders, and parties to refrain from attacks on civil society organizations and to help provide the conditions and support for independent voices and institutions to perform their work. At the same time, we urge Macedonia’s neighbours to exercise restraint and be constructive at this moment of heightened political sensitivity in the country”, emphasized the US Mission to OSCE.
The United States calls on all parties to put the interests of Macedonia and its citizens above all else, to work together constructively, and to fully implement all the commitments under the Pržino Agreement.
Resolving the political crisis, the statement goes on to say, can only come through adherence to Macedonia’s laws and international obligations, and respect for the will of the people freely expressed through democratic processes including on the basis of the results of the December 2016 elections, and in a spirit of inclusiveness and inter-ethnic cooperation.
The statement by Burns comes at the same time of the visit of the OSCE General Secretary, Lamberto Zannier to Macedonia and his meetings with leaders from the state and politics in the country.