On February 19 we will evaluate whether Macedonia will be ready for early parliamentary elections on April 24. In the current phase, we still cannot assess which direction the situation will move in. Everything is in the hands of the parties.
Today Ambassador Orav answered a question from the media at a press conference for IPA funds.
When asked, whether the European Commissioner on Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiation, Johannes Hahn was coming on Friday, he said that today he could not confirm that information.
He went on to say that there were many delays in the implementation of the Przhino Agreement.
“From one side April 24 is the agreed date in the agreement, but on the other hand there are so many delays in the implementation of the Przhino Agreement. So, all sides are right “, said EU Ambassador Orav and reminded everyone which areas the European Commission will assess such as the State Election Commission, the electoral list, the media and balanced reporting, and the separation of the state and parties.
Orav did not want to comment on what would happen if the elections were to be postponed and added that everything is in the hands of the political parties. He said that support from the International Community is here and available if political parties need them.
Vice Premier for European Affairs Fatmir Besimi said that the issue of postponement of the elections is hypothetical and that he would not want to speculate on what would happen if the elections were to be delayed. Besimi added that his recommendation is to respect the political agreements and preparations for free and fair elections, so Macedonia could return its focus on EU integration and economic development.
