Dialogue is the only way to overcome all challenges.

I welcome the demonstrated awareness and willingness of the political leaders to overcome the outstanding issues. Commendable is the fact that in the past period the leaders of the political parties talk to each other and seek ways to overcome the current political situation in the Republic of Macedonia.

There is optimism to overcome the current political crisis in Macedonia. I urge all participants in the political dialogue in the coming period to behave reasonably and responsibly. I expect dedicated, responsible and consistent approach to the dialogue so as to restore political stability in the Republic of Macedonia.

The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia expect political maturity and readiness for institutional settlement of all challenges under the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Macedonia. The citizens expect results and sustainable solutions. I expect the same, too.
Everyone must act solely in the interest of the citizens and the state, the Republic of Macedonia.

The involvement of the European Union in these discussions clearly shows that the European and Euro-Atlantic agenda of the Republic of Macedonia is the main priority in the country. Priority that obliges the political leaders to work in order to achieve European criteria, standards and principles.

The citizens of the Republic of Macedonia expect it from the leaders of the political parties. It is their exceptional commitment to the citizens.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Raimonds Vejonis.

The meeting expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development of the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Latvia on bilateral and multilateral level, particularly in the field of defense and security.

President Ivanov briefed his interlocutor on the current situation in the country, stressing that the recent session of the Security Council expressed strongest condemnation for the violation of order and security by individuals and groups which aimed at the destabilization of Macedonia, and the action taken by the police managed to prevent the intention of coordinated terrorist attacks on various locations in the country and to prevent and civilian casualties.

The Macedonian President said that in overcoming the challenges faced by the Republic of Macedonia, support from the international community is needed because the status quo in the European integration creates frustration in the political and inter-ethnic life, thus making us vulnerable and susceptible to the attempts for destabilization.

Minister Vejonis expressed deep condolences for the events in Kumanovo and conveyed Latvia's support to Macedonia in its efforts to join NATO and the EU. He also expressed the readiness of the Republic of Latvia to further strengthen the overall bilateral relations and cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia in all areas of mutual interest, especially in the field of defense and security.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received Mr. Jess Baily, Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Aivo Orav, Head of the European Union Delegation, Ms. Marianne Berecz, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission in Skopje, Captain Rumen Radev, Head of the NATO Liaison Office, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Omur Sholendil as NATO Contact Ambassador.

At the meeting, the Macedonian President informed the interlocutors of yesterday's session of the Security Council, when information and views on the latest developments in Kumanovo and the security situation in the Republic of Macedonia were exchanged. President Ivanov said that precise directions are given for appropriate actions of all institutions of the security system in order to prevent any possible escalation of tensions and destabilization of the country.

In this context, President Ivanov once again stressed the need for support from the international community in the interest of the stability of the Republic of Macedonia and the stability and security of the entire region. He asked for every effort in unblocking the Euro-Atlantic integration. The recent political developments in the country are a result, inter alia, of the long status quo in terms of the European integration, which leaves room for a variety of attempts for destabilization and various kinds of speculations. It is therefore necessary, the President said, to urgently find ways and enable progress in terms of the country's European integration and in the interest of the overall relations in the society.

It is particularly important to restore the sense of safety and security among the Macedonian citizens, President Ivanov said and added that besides internal unity, enhanced regional and international cooperation is needed to combat and protect against terrorism, with the aim to prevent such and similar actions in the future. In that context, he requested enhanced engagement and cooperation of all international actors in the Republic of Macedonia.

The interlocutors welcomed yesterday's session of the Security Council and the invitation and the presence of the representatives of the relevant political parties, and said that the political dialogue is necessary at this point in order to overcome the challenges faced by the Republic of Macedonia.