Macedonian President Urges Restraint after Brutal Killings

Macedonian police deployed to prevent disturbances of public order after the discovery of the brutal killing of five males. Photo by Utrinski.com.mk

Macedonian President George Ivanov issued a statement calling for "restraint and responsibility" in the wake of the recently uncovered brutal killing of five people.

The bodies of 4 youth and one middle aged person were uncovered late Thursday near a lake at the village of Smilkovci near the Macedonian capital Skopje.

The five are all ethnic Slavs, which stoked fears that simmering tensions between Slavic and Albanian Macedonians might flare up.

Riots were reported in Skopje neighborhood of Radisani late Friday, but Saturday, the day the five victims are to be buried, the situation is reported peaceful.

"I feel deep sympathy with the grief of the families of those who tragically perish. I sharply condemn this evil and horrible act," said Macedonian President Ivanov in a statement Saturday.

"In those moments of deepest grief what is least needed is any abuse with the tragic events that happened," adds Ivanov.

The Macedonian President also requested authorities to press with the case and swiftly uncover the perpetrators of the brutal murder.

Macedonian party leaders, including the leaders of the two main Albanian parties, have also spoken out to urge citizens for restraint and refraining from any acts of hatred.

EU and US representatives to Macedonia have joined the condemnation of the deed and the calls for public peace.

Saturday police is heavily present in Skopje and other Macedonian cities.

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