Skopje, 23 January 2024 (MIA) — First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Political System and Inter-Community Relations Artan Grubi pointed out Russia was always against the country's strategic decisions regarding NATO and the EU; these are facts everyone knows, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said in response to a reporter's request for comment on Grubi's accusation against Russia earlier on Tuesday during his remarks at the "Year of European Opportunities" conference.

Speaking to the press after the opening of the two-day annual conference in Skopje, PM Kovachevski said the First Deputy PM was specific about the processes he was referring to.

"Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi was very specific and pointed to Russia regarding the strategic decisions and processes that were made and are being made in the country and that Russia has always been against this," Kovachevski said. 

"These are facts everyone knows. He didn't say it was about everything. He pointed out exactly which processes he meant, including the membership in NATO, promoting democracy, and the start of negotiations with the EU," he added.

Grubi, in his remarks at the opening of the conference, had said that since the elections on Dec. 11, 2016, and the formation of the government in June 2017, "this progressive community has faced many challenges."

"Many challenges, under only one common name, only one motivating factor and only one center of inspiration, and that is Russia," Grubi had said. 

"If you recall, during the riots in Parliament, there was a member of the Russian services with a colleague from a neighboring country inciting the protestors to enter and lynch the lawmakers, the newly elected Parliament Speaker, the person entrusted with the formation of the new government, and all MPs in the press room," he added.

The only reason behind the security, energy and economic crises and inflation, according to Grubi, was Russia and its war against Ukraine.

"Is there Russian influence in our religious communities? Look for the answer yourself. Is there Russian influence in our media? You already know the answer. Is there Russian influence in non-governmental organizations in our society?

"You all know full well there are Russian exponents and elements doing all they can to disrupt the progressive parliamentary majority and coalition that wants to see this country a member of NATO and the EU and in steadfast friendship with America.

"That is why we are trying to build this European front of unity, of progressive forces in the country," Grubi said in this opening remarks. mr/