Macedonian Opposition Leader Dismisses Speculation of Partitioning

Opposition leader Zoran Zaev (C) speaks at a press conference, in Skopje, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, 16 May 2015. Photo: EPA

Macedonian opposition SDSM leader Zoran Zaev dismissed the speculation of partitioning or federalisation of the country.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed on Wednesday that there were plans for the partitioning of Macedonia between Bulgaria and Albania.

Zaev said that both during the large opposition protest on May 17 and the shooting in Kumanovo, the Macedonian people demonstrated an unity of unprecedented degree, Darik radio reports.

According to him, the nation was united behind the demands for restoration of the universal values - democracy, freedom, justice and future for everyone.

Zaev said that the unity demonstrated by the ethnic communities was giving him courage and he highlighted that there was no force, political motive or something else, which could harm this unity.

He expressed hope that the Macedonian politicians would be responsible enough to use this unity for the good future of the country.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov dismissed on Wednesday the claims of Lavrov on the partitioning of Macedonia as being “extremely irresponsible”.

In his statement, Mitov pointed to the challenges, which Macedonia overcame on the way to establishing and consolidating its independence and sovereignty.

He reminded that throughout this period, Bulgaria was the country expressing its greatest support for the independence of Macedonia and acted as a guarantee for its territorial integrity.

Bulgaria was the first country to recognise Macedonia and this decision was of key importance for the stability in Southeast Europe.

Mitov assured that Bulgaria will continue to be a guarantor of Macedonia's independence and territorial integrity.

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