Differing views of the government coalition partners are typical in a democracy, but all issues need to be settled through dialogue, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanovm, said, commenting on the latest developments in the government coalition VMRO-DPMNE and DUI.

The President stressed that the behavior of the government partners should be responsible and in the interest of the Macedonian citizens.

“It is common, in a democracy, coalition partners to have different views, however, they are partners in the coalition and have to find a solution to all issues through dialogue. In a democracy, such situations are always possible and we must be prepared that, after 21 year of experience in a democracy, different activities are possible. Therefore, this is normal. Most probably the government coalition partners would find a solution and this would be a lesson to them too, and that all should act responsibly in the interest of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia”, President Ivanov said.

The Head of State, being also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said that those persons who appeared in army uniform in the flower-laying ceremony at the monument of the former NLA in Slupcane should bear responsibility.

"We reacted immediately, at the beginning. I would like to clarify to the public, since there is a lot of speculation. I ordered an investigation to be conducted and the ARM General Staff of the investigation conducted concluded that the Army did not participate in the Slupcane event. It was found out that staff from the Ministry of Defence, i.e. from the Cabinet of the Minister, abused the military uniform population and led the population to a misconception to think that the Army attended the ceremony. All procedural actions were initiated and those people involved are expected to be hold liable and bear responsibility, because it is strictly prescribed who and when can wear a uniform and that all related provisions are infringed. The ARM General Staff will propose to the Ministry to take responsibility for those persons”, President Ivanov said, who attended the celebration of the Assumption of the Mother of God in the monastery in Matka.