The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today H.E. Mr. Paul Wohlers, Ambassador of the United States, H.E. Mr. Aivo Orav, Head of the Delegation of the European Union, H.E. Ms Marian Bertzi, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission and the representative of the Liaison Office of NATO, Lt. Marian Ivanusha.

During the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the situation and expectations regarding the Republic of Macedonia's membership in the EU and NATO, good neighborly relations and regional issues, and the current internal political developments in the country.

President Ivanov stressed that the Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates the partnership and friendship developed in continuity with the United States, EU, OSCE and NATO and expressed gratitude to the interlocutors for their commitment and contribution to the promotion of relations and intensification of cooperation.

The Macedonian President, stressing the respect for international treaties and implementation of international commitments, said it is necessary to overcome the status quo in terms of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia as soon as possible, thus contributing to overcoming the challenges in the country and in the region.

The meeting exchanged views on the latest developments related to the protests over the "Monster" case, and the interlocutors agreed that protests are allowed everywhere, but violence can not be tolerated. They concluded that every inter-ethnic incident or attempt to encourage intolerance is an opportunity for politicking or exploiting the situation for personal or political gain. It was also noted that the events that took place are an opportunity for open dialogue and strengthening of the relations between the citizens of different ethnic and religious affiliation.

The interlocutors welcomed the efforts undertaken by President Ivanov in order to overcome the challenges resulting from the current internal political developments in the Republic of Macedonia.