31 August 2021 Skopje – The historic decision made on September 8, 1991, made by the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia at the time, who voted for independence and sovereignty, was a courageous and resolute act of facing the historic circumstances, and an expression of strong faith in the perspective for a new beginning, a better life and a better future in an independent country, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told Tuesday’s formal session on the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence. Skopje – Greece strongly supports North Macedonia and the entire Western Balkans on the path towards the European Union. Greece is and can be your greatest friend and collaborator. The choice you’ve made to stand by us, to walk the path to the great European family is the right choice for the benefit of your people. The implementation of the Prespa Agreement needs to continue, which is the basis for improving mutual relations and the country joining the European family, said Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, who’s paying an official visit to North Macedonia on Tuesday. Skopje – The issue of the implementation of the Prespa Agreement is a living process, in which it is important whether there’s political will. What we, the two ministers, agreed today is that we strongly believe in this agreement, we strongly believe in the perspective of our friendship, of our strategic partnership. We strongly believe in the economic potentials, in the cooperation of all possible sectors,  North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said after Tuesday’s meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, who’s paying an official visit to the country. Skopje – Starting the negotiations is not ours to decide; it’s up to the EU to decide what to do with the process in the region and whether it will preserve its credibility, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said at a press conference with Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in response to a reporter’s question on how realistic were expectations for overcoming the Bulgarian blockade of EU talks. Skopje — Some 1,000 patients are hospitalized across the country, most of them in Tetovo, Gostivar, Kichevo, Struga and Ohrid hospitals, and additional covid centers opened at the Skopje University Clinic on Monday, according to Health Minister Venko Filipche. Skopje – The supporters of VMRO-DPMNE and Alliance for Albanians have shown a lack of enthusiasm and joy on social media over the forming of Coalition 27, says first deputy PM and Minister of Political System and Inter-Community Relations, Artan Grubi. Athens – A new ministry for civil protection, new appointments in the ministries of health and tourism, new deputy Ministers – these are only some of the 11 changes in the cabinet reshuffle by Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, MIA’s Athens correspondent writes. Brussels — The European Union hit its initial target for mass vaccinations against Covid-19 in a major symbolic milestone, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday. Daytona Beach – Yet another radio talk show host from the USA who was vehemently against vaccination against the coronavirus has died from Covid-19 this month. Marc Bernier passed away after a 3-week battle with the illness at age 65, MIA’s Washington correspondent reports.