The United States Department of State expressed its concerns today, due to the tensions in Macedonia after the early parliamentary elections which were held on the 11th of December, and they called on the leaders of political parties’ to stop the negative rhetoric.
“We are concerned about heightened political tensions in Macedonia following the December 11th parliamentary elections, and we condemn the inflammatory rhetoric from some political leaders which gives license to attacks on democratic institutions and ambassadors accredited to Macedonia”, said John Kirby, the spokesperson for the State Department.
He stressed that the political leaders should focus on forming a new government and to return the country on its Euro-Atlantic path.
“We call on political leaders to stop unwarranted attacks, respect the democratic process, and allow the formation of a credible, stable government committed to the rule of law, accountability, and fundamental rights. The United States stands ready to assist such a government to achieve Macedonia’s longstanding goal of Euro-Atlantic integration.”
The statement of the US State Department came after the leader of VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, on Saturday through the party’s proclamation called out the ambassadors for interfering in Macedonia’s internal affairs. One day after Gruevski’s announcement at the protest outside of the SEC’s headquarters, VMRO-DPMNE’s supporters and party officials appeared with a banner which read “Baily Hands off Macedonia” and yesterday, the internet was flooded with scratched photographs of former and current American and European ambassadors.
Yesterday, the European Commission had a similar reaction and expressed concern over the situation in Macedonia, the negative rhetoric by politicians and urged parties to act responsibly.