MEPs Ivo Vajgl, Richard Howitt and Eduard Kukan, who brokered the talks between the political parties which resulted in the Przhino Agreement today expressed deep concern over recent developments in Skopje. They urged the main political parties to work together in the interest of the citizens of the country, and return to what was agreed in the Przhino Agreement, which is the only way out of the crisis.
“We are deeply concerned by recent developments in Skopje and we cannot stress enough the importance that the main political parties remain committed to the Przhino Agreement. The Agreement must be fully respected, including all provisions related to protecting and strengthening the Rule of Law in the country and ensuring that credible early parliamentary elections can take place”, said a statement issued after the meeting of the MEPs with EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who are committed to the political situation in Macedonia.
The MEPs believe that Ivanov’s decision to halt to all legal proceedings against politicians and officials, as well as their amnesty can seriously jeopardize Macedonia.
“We believe that President Ivanov’s declaration of a general pardon to everyone suspected of involvement in the wire-tap scandal can only undermine the rule of law and increase the feeling of impunity among those under investigation by prosecution and the Special Prosecutor. We are further concerned that these new developments pose an additional grave risk to the stability of the country and to its desired Euro-Atlantic integration and European perspective”, the statement said.
The MEPs say they remain fully committed and open to talk with political leaders, as well as finding ways to overcome the recent serious setbacks and ensure that the Przhino Agreement be fully implemented primarily for the benefit of the state and the Macedonian people.
