The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Mitko Chavkov.

The meeting, which took place after the adoption of the conclusions of the meeting of the EU leaders in Brussels, discussed the measures and actions taken to prevent and deal with the influx of illegal migrants in the regions affected by the crisis situation and their movement through the territory the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting concluded that all entities participating in the crisis management system are functioning with increased activities and face a lack of material facilities, personnel, technical equipment and vehicles.

Minister Chavkov informed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs asked for help and assistance from the EU for the prevention system to supplement the capacity needed. The Republic of Macedonia, as a transit territory on the Balkan migration corridor, is facing the consequences of the attitude of the European Union member-states, Minister Chavkov said. A member-state with organized institutional capacity leads the migrants to our southern border, while other member-states hamper their movement to the desired country in the Union. He added that the Balkan migration corridor in the past ten days has repeatedly been interrupted.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs recorded entry of 6,000 to 7,000 foreign nationals per day, while the information and analyses indicate that there will be an increase of the migrant influx in the months to come. The police forces, supported by the Army units, will be engaged in an extremely complex activity. If the corridor is interrupted and the borders are closed, and due to the weather condition, Macedonia will be forced to apply appropriate response plans to protect its national security, the Minister of Internal Affairs said.

In the coming period, as Minister Chavkov informed, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will face an additional challenge in achieving its jurisdiction in the public and national security system when it is expected to use its capacities, needed to secure the election process and polling stations in the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov urged development of programs for ongoing information and raising the awareness of the citizens and the society about the threat and risks of illegal migration the Republic of Macedonia is facing.