Distinguishеd citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

Considering the current situation with the migrant crisis and the latest developments at our southern border, today I convened a meeting of the Security Council of the Republic of Macedonia in expanded format.

The bodies of the crisis management system in charge of prevention and handling the state of crisis, briefed me, the members of the Security Council as well as the leaders and representatives of the major political parties on the threat from illegal migration coming from the territory of the European Union and the Schengen zone, including the possibilities for development of the threat and increasing of the risks.
Last night, an incident occurred at our southern border.

An uncontrolled number of migrants and foreign citizens from the territory of the European Union and Schengen made an attempt to illegally cross the state border, outside of the official border crossing, and penetrate the area where a state of crisis has been declared.

Our security forces reacted with success and I praise their timely and responsible reaction, without the use of force.

With the closure of the Balkan corridor, it was expected to see an increase of attempts for violent and illegal entry into Macedonia.

However, what I personally did not expect was the use of extremely inappropriate activities that potentially jeopardize the entire regional security.

I repeat – the Republic of Macedonia is not a member state of the European Union or NATO, nor of the Schengen zone, and therefore cannot allow itself to suffer the consequences from the non-unified policy of the Union.

The authorities of any of the states along this migrant route must not remain passive spectators of such incidents.

The best signal that could be sent at this moment is to stop the practice of bringing an additional number of migrants who would set up camps on the very border line.

The absence of communication and cooperation between politicians and security services of the Republic of Macedonia and the Hellenic Republic, and the inability to establish joint operational teams for rapid intervention, has brought us in this situation.

If we do not start cooperating as soon as possible, as two neighboring countries should, it is most certain that incidents of this nature will repeat and become more complicated.

So far, the Republic of Macedonia has demonstrated that it is ready for all scenarios and shall not allow an increase of security risks related to the migrant crisis.

I wish to reiterate that the Republic of Macedonia will take all measures and activities to protect its state borders and national security. Macedonian law enforcement institutions will continue to handle the refugee crisis in a responsible and professional manner, just as they did thus far.

The Republic of Macedonia shall continue providing a humane treatment in accordance with all European and international standards, respecting human rights, just as it did in the past period when one million refugees transited its territory.
As for the current situation, I intend to have telephone conversations with the Presidents and Prime Minister of the countries along the corridor, who are involved in the decision making process at the level of the Council of the European Union regarding the management of the migrant crisis, as well as with the President of the European Council and the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Republic of Macedonia will continue acting in accordance with the decisions of the European Council and follow the actions of the other countries along the Balkan corridor, and we shall not allow illegal entry of migrants in the Republic of Macedonia.

The members of the Security Council and the leaders and representatives of the four major political parties were also briefed on all other security risks and threats that the Republic of Macedonia is facing.

As President of the Republic of Macedonia, I wish to express my satisfaction with the responsible and constructive approach by everyone present at the meeting, as well as with the high level of awareness shown when it comes to the security of our citizens and the state interests of the Republic of Macedonia.

Thank you.