The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Ambassador Ralf Breth, Head of the OSCE Mission in Macedonia. President Ivanov stressed that Macedonia highly appreciates the cooperation with the OSCE Mission and expressed expectation that ODIHR will closely monitor the local elections in March this year. At the same time, the Macedonian President expressed satisfaction with the recent meeting with the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, when they exchanged views on domestic policy developments in Macedonia and sent a joint message that  all political forces should focus on the EU agenda and the country’s progress in the EU integration process.

At the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the current political situation in the country, the boycott of parliament and the opportunities to overcome the situation. President Ivanov briefed the interlocutor on the activities and initiatives taken to overcome the situation, and expressed his hope that the interests of the state and the citizens will prevail over party or personal interests of certain individuals. Ambassador Breth commended President Ivanov’s efforts, and both agreed that essential for the further integration process of the Republic of Macedonia is the internal unity, full capacity functioning of the institutions and overcoming the political situation.