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.