Skopje, 31 January 2023 (MIA) – The Ministry of Interior is undertaking all necessary activities to ensure a calm and secure commemoration of Goce Delchev’s birth anniversary. If it is assessed that a larger police presence is necessary, it will be provided, said Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski in a media statement Tuesday, after the second panel of the “Year of New Opportunities” conference.

He urged all political stakeholders to remain responsible during the process, because irresponsible behavior does not benefit the citizens. He also urged the citizens to remain calm.

On whether Bulgarian MEP Angel Dzhambazki will be allowed entry into the country on February 4, Spasovski said that they will make a decision on the basis of all analyses. “We are exchanging information on what is being expected, and we will make decisions when the time comes,” said Spasovski.

“Both countries and their Interior Ministries will do everything in their power to prevent extremists from disrupting the relations between the two countries. The situation must be de-escalated. We will not allow any escalation or incidents, nor degradation of the Macedonian people and state,” said Spasovski.

Commenting on his meeting with his Bulgarian colleague, Spasovski said they have received guarantees that there is no official policy which can be based on the denial of a people or a country.

“That is a necessary basis for any future partnership and a clear position was expressed at the meeting that the good relations between the two countries are important for the whole region,” said Spasovski.

He stressed that the institutions are functional and they are the ones responsible for undertaking all necessary measures and activities. The Minister said that the incendiary rhetoric of some patriotic associations should be abandoned.

He appealed to the citizens to avoid succumbing to any calls and not to take up the responsibilities of the institutions.

Spasovski said that based on previous examples, it is evident that the people who call for these actions remain untouched, while those who attack the state and institutions are now in prison.

“No one in this country can, nor will be above the state,” said Spasovski. ad/nn/