Ohrid, 20 October 2023 (MIA) - The Republic of North Macedonia has not identified any threats to the security of the country and its citizens at this time. Institutions, services, the and security-intelligence community are closely monitoring developments in Israel and Ukraine, exchange information at a national level and within NATO, and prepare for response if such a challenge is identified, said Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska in Ohrid on Friday.

Minister Petrovska said when a conflict starts across the globe, it causes certain problems, disruptions in the states' functioning, regardless of its proximity.

"The sooner military actions end, the sooner we can sit at the table and discuss the problems that started those conflicts. I am aware that many of the problems are difficult, the causes are problematic, but nothing is more worthy than human lives," Petrovska told reporters on the security situation in the country and region amid the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel.

The Minister said she was not aware of any requests for physical security provided to members of the Jewish community and its religious facilities in the country.

"Coordination of the security and intelligence services, as well as the information that is being exchanged, show there is no threat at this moment, be it for members of a community or a facility. Nevertheless, this does not mean that institutions will rest on this information alone. We will monitor developments and if necessary, all citizens, not only Jews, will be protected amid a security threat," underlined Petrovska.

Photo: MIA