Skopje: The political conflict in Skopje is escalating, with President Ivanov not backing down - despite Mogherini's calls, who was in the Macedonian capital to mediate - from his decision to block the formation of a Social Democratic government under Zaef with the cooperation of Albanian parties. Protests continued, while Russia also entered the frame, accusing the EU of interfering.
The attempt by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini ended without tangible results, with the official leaving Skopje. Mogherini met with both President Giorgi Ivanov and party leaders across the political and ethnic spectrum.
"Tones must be lowered to prevent this political and institutional crisis from turning into an ethnic conflict or, worse, a geopolitical conflict," Mogherini said.
President Ivanov is blocking the Socialists' co-operation with Albanian parties, arguing that part of the agreement on the wider use of the Albanian language threatens "Macedonian national independence, unity and independence". Meanwhile, Russia also criticized the agreement to form a coalition government.
Meanwhile, protests continue in the capital and other cities of the country by supporters of the outgoing prime minister and leader of the VMRO DPMNE party, demanding that Zoran Zaef not be instructed and that new elections be called.
At the same time, a statement by the leader of the Albanian DUI party, Ali Ahmeti, that a "Ukrainian scenario" was being used sparked speculation and rumors that Nikola Gruevski's supporters planned to block the parliament in order to prevent the entry of new until March 5, by the House of Municipal Elections.
Source: philenews