LOCAL PRESS

 

French Court postpones ruling to Haradinaj for 6 April (Tanjug)

 

The Appellate Court in the French city of Colmar postponed the ruling on Serbia’s request for the extradition of the war-time KLA commander Ramush Haradinaj who is charged with involvement in war crimes during the war in Kosovo. The Trial Chamber has requested, in accordance with the Prosecution’s requests, additional information.

 

Documentation on Haradinaj sent two days ago (Tanjug)

 

The Serbian Justice Ministry has stated that additional documentation was sent to the Appellate Court in France. The documentation on over 100 pages was sent without the French Court’s request, at the initiative of the Justice Ministry.

 

Djuric, COELA officials discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue (Beta)

 

The Head of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Marko Djuric met with the members of the EU Council’s Working Party on Enlargement and Countries Negotiating Accession to the Union (COELA), and discussed the course of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the problems of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. Djuric stated during the meeting that Belgrade was interested in continuing the dialogue with the EU mediation, but also raised concern over the fact that there had been no meetings of expert teams in Brussels since November, the Office for Kosovo and Metohija stated. “In that period, Pristina has actively avoided fulfilling the agreements reached in Brussels, which has jeopardized achieving the basic goal of the dialogue - a better life for the citizens in the province,” Djuric said. Commenting on the Serbs’ problems in

Kosovo and Metohija, Djuric said that Belgrade was steadfast in insisting on forming the Community of Serb Municipalities, in keeping with the agreements reached in Brussels, and that the EU had to secure the implementation of the agreements as the mediator in the dialogue.

“Belgrade is also insisting on the dialogue including all the topics of interest for the Serbs in

Kosovo and Metohija, but we have so far not seen any understanding for that from the other participants in the process,” said Djuric.

 

Gojkovic slates presidential elections for 2 April (RTS/Tanjug/B92)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic slated presidential elections for 2 April. She called citizens to come to the polls on 2 April and decide with their vote who will be the president of Serbia in the following mandate and to carefully monitor the election campaigns and to assess with their votes, primarily the presidential programs, because they are of outmost importance for Serbia’s further future and stability of the state. “I call citizens and I wish them to elect the best candidate who will seriously and responsibly cooperate with the government of the Republic of Serbia, and who will fight, together with it, for persevering political and economic stability, as well as for the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Serbia,” said Gojkovic. She also said that she has a message for the candidates: “I wish to them not to forget Serbian citizens during the campaign, to respect them and count on their votes if they address them with their programs, not with hatred. To fight with work and responsibility, respect democratic principles and the will that citizens will express.”

 

Gojkovic: Parliament pauses until presidential elections, opposition criticizes decision (Beta/RTS)

 

Serbian parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic has announced the parliament will pause until it is completed. Gojkovic told the morning news of Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) that the presidential campaign will last between 30 and 60 days which is within the law and Constitution. “As the public has already noticed, some candidates have been campaigning for two months now and only the candidate Vucic will start campaigning today. A lot of money is being spent, money of unknown origin,” said Gojkovic.

The opposition parties’ representatives fiercely criticized this decision by Gojkovic.

Democratic Party (DS) MP Gordana Comic stated the decision by Gojkovic to make a pause in the session was ‘"formally in keeping with the rules of procedure, but that it was actually an abuse of parliament.

Social Democratic Party (SDS) caucus whip Marko Djurisic said the parliament had worked for less than three months in the past year, and added that it was the only place where criticism could be heard and different stands expressed.

The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Cedomir Jovanovic said that pausing the session represented a slap in the face of the deputies, all because of the authorities' needs regarding the forthcoming election.

The leader of the Enough Movement (DJB) Sasa Radulovic described the decision by Gojkovic to pause as disgraceful and that it represented a kind of state of emergency.

Dveri caucus whip Bosko Obradovic stated that the first sitting of the regular spring session was interrupted with a ridiculous excuse and that the sole reason for this was to suppress the voice of the opposition about important issues, tormenting the citizens of Serbia.

The leader of the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) Vojislav Seselj said that early parliamentary elections should take place due to strained political situation in Serbia. “Parliamentary elections will certainly take place, if not now, then next year. But, it’s better the early elections to take place now, because the electoral will of the citizens have changed and it should be presented in the parliament too,” Seselj said.

 

Possible changes of organizing presidential elections in Kosovo and Metohija (Novosti)

 

The presidential elections in Kosovo and Metohija may be organized differently than the previous years, by counting them on the spot instead of transporting them after the elections to Raska and Vranje. This is due to the stand passed by the Serbian Constitutional Court in June last year, according to which this manner of establishing results of the voting in 2014 was not in accordance with the law.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

FB&H celebrates Independence Day of B&H, no celebrations in RS (FTV)

 

A number of events were organized in Sarajevo on Wednesday on the occasion of 1 March - the Independence Day of B&H. Chairman of the Council of Ministers (CoM) of B&H Denis Zvizdic told journalists in Sarajevo City Hall that Independence Day of B&H is one of the most significant moments in the history of B&H. “I want to recommend to those who want to contest this holiday and B&H to become more familiar with the history of B&H. All enemies of B&H and all those who in any way wanted to conquer or divide B&H remained at the dumpsite of history,” Zvizdic underlined.

Members of the B&H Presidency, Bakir Izetbegovic and Dragan Covic, hosted a solemn reception in the building of the B&H Presidency. The reception was attended by representatives of political life in B&H, representatives of the diplomatic corps, religious officials and representatives of the cultural life in B&H. Izetbegovic said that the vast majority of B&H citizens want peace, stability and prosperity, and want to build a common and safe future for themselves and their children. Covic stressed that B&H is not an abstract idea. “It is composed of social fabric of the group that has lived in it for centuries, three traditional communities, three constituent peoples and all others who care about nurturing their own language, culture, identity and particularities. To glorify and celebrate B&H means to glorify and celebrate its peoples, their togetherness, but also everything that defines it,” Covic emphasized. FTV noted that just like every year, 1 March was only marked in the Federation of B&H, while in Republika Srpska (RS) this was a day just like any other.

 

Ivanic requests informal consultations of B&H Presidency (BNTV)

 

B&H Presidency Chairman Mladen Ivanic stated on Wednesday that he requested informal consultations of B&H Presidency members for Thursday, in regards with non-institutional decision carried out by Presidency member Bakir Izetbegovic to launch revision of a B&H’s lawsuit against Serbia. Ivanic said that he expects nothing special at these consultations, and added that they were requested for Thursday, because Wednesday was a non-working day in the Federation of B&H, “which is marked in the entity by so-called Independence Day of B&H.” Ivanic explained that the consultations will specifically focus on the ICJ’s request for clarification of Sakib Softic’s status in the case of revision of ICJ’s ruling.

 

Izetbegovic: Presidency members will reply to ICJ individually (TV1)

 

Bosniak member of the B&H Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic stated on Wednesday, whilst commenting the letter the International Court of Justice (ICJ) sent to members of the Presidency of B&H on February 24 regarding the status of agent in the process of revision of a lawsuit against Serbia Safet Softic, that all members of the Presidency will respond to the letter individually. Izetbegovic added that, when it comes to the ICJ, Chairman and Serb members of the Presidency of B&H Mladen Ivanic can only represent stances which were agreed upon by all three members of B&H Presidency. He voiced hope that Ivanic will not do anything unlawful. Commenting the allegations with regard to opening of the letters that the ICJ sent to B&H Presidency members, Izetbegovic argued that a letter sent by the ICJ, which was addressed to him, also arrived opened, noting that he tasked a B&H Ambassador to the Netherlands to check the content of the letter. Izetbegovic also stated that he will think through whether he will show up at Thursday’s consultations in B&H Presidency, initiated by Ivanic.

B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied on Wednesday statements of Bosniak member of B&H Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic related to letters of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), addressed to all three members of B&H Presidency. Namely, B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs established that only the letter addressed to Chairman of B&H Presidency Mladen Ivanic was opened, while the letters addressed to Izetbegovic and Croat member of B&H Presidency Dragan Covic remained sealed.

 

Dodik: Intelligence agencies and judiciary controlled by Bosniaks (Nezavisne)

 

RS President Milorad Dodik stated that the fact that somebody opened the letter addressed by the International Court of Justice to B&H Presidency member Mladen Ivanic proves that Serbs are not safe and that intelligence services are under control of B&H Presidency member Bakir Izetbegovic. According to Dodik, all Serb officials are under surveillance, and Bosniaks control all judiciary and prosecutorial institutions. He reiterated that an indictment will be launched on 10 March against Serb officials because of their support to the referendum on RS Day.

 

False agent requested confidential documents from Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia in name of B&H (Glas Srpske)

 

Glas Srpske daily came into possession of a document confirming that former B&H agent before the International Court of Justice Sakib Softic has sent a request to Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia for delivery of certain confidential papers, despite the fact that according to the law, only a state can issue such request from another state. The requests were sent on 31 January, and they were addressed to Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, as well as justice ministers of the three countries. Softic wrote in his letters that B&H has bilateral agreements with the three countries, and daily noted that Softic falsely claimed that he was sending the requests in the name of B&H. Softic requested all the minutes from the sessions of the former Yugoslav Presidency held between January 1990 and May 1992, as well as minutes of the sessions of the Supreme Defense Council of Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia held from August 1994 to December 1995. He also requested court documents from the trial of members of ‘Scorpions’ special unit in Belgrade and personal files of Yugoslav military officials Radivoje Miletic, Zdravko Tolimir, Manojlo Milovanovic, Mile Mrksic, Milan Gvero, Vinko Pandurevic, Milorad Pelemis, Petar Salapura and Ratko Mladic. From Croatia he requested recorded conversations between Slobodan Milosevic and commanders of the former Yugoslav People’s Army and RS Army, Momcilo Perisic and Mladic in 1995, with focus on July. The daily learned that none of the three countries responded to Softic’s requests.

 

Inzko saddened with conflict that arose in B&H because of request for revision of lawsuit against Serbia (Glas Srpske)

 

Rapporteur of the European Parliament for B&H Cristian Dan Preda met with High Representative Valentin Inzko on Wednesday and he stated that the mechanisms that deal with the international lawsuits are there to ensure peaceful resolving of different conflicts between the countries. He underlined he is deeply saddened by the fact that the issue of revision of B&H’s lawsuit against Serbia before the International Court of Justice has caused divisions and discord within B&H. “Search for compromise within the institutions must be a rule. And that means, for all sides, that they must listen and truly understand the position of others,” said Preda, adding that if the current crisis leads to blockade of institutions and reforms, it would be completely unacceptable.

 

Elections or civic protest (RTCG)

 

The Civic Movement (GP) URA sent to other opposition entities draft joint plan to resolve the political crisis which, after inter-oppositional conciliation, would be send to the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS). Vice president of the GP URA, Dristan Abazovic said at the news conference that the opposition would organize civil protests if the DPS did not accept new elections and dialogue on the conditions for their maintenance. The protest would be focused exclusively on the common goal, which is the organization of free and fair elections in Montenegro, said Aabazovic. He said that the draft plan contains points around which so far existed overwhelming consensus of all opposition subjects. “The document does not have any provision for a political program, but only the general positions which, according to our opinion, could encounter consent first of all of opposition subjects, and if we harmonize, to offer it to the DPS in order to resolve the crisis,” explained Abazovic. The draft plan envisages repeating parliamentary elections within a reasonable time, at the latest in parallel with the presidential election, in spring of next year, as well as repeating elections in Niksic, scheduled for 12 March. Local elections in all municipalities should be held along with the parliamentary.

 

Mogherini: Montenegro leader of integration (RTCG)

 

Less than a decade after regaining independence, Montenegro is the leader at the path of European integration in the Western Balkans region, writes in an op-ed Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy and security affairs representative and vice-president of the European Commission. In her opinion the reforms at stake in each country matter not because the governments or the European Union want them, but because they can make a real difference to so many people in this region.  “Leading the Western Balkans inside the European Union: this is a task for our political generation, not for the next one. The Balkans are part of Europe and have always been: no political boundary can change this geographic, historic and cultural reality. The people of the Balkans are European: they deserve the same opportunities, the same safeguards and rights as all other citizens of this continent. The European Union will not be complete as long as this region at the heart of Europe is not united, as part of our community. Over the past year, each of the “Western Balkans Six” and the European Union have become closer to one another. Many of our common successes were unthinkable just a few years ago. In no more than a decade since its independence, Montenegro is a frontrunner on the path towards European integration, with clear benefits for its economy.

Two decades after the last wars, the region is more stable and democratic than ever before. Yet regional stability and growth are still fragile achievements. Political disputes have often prevailed on the pursuit of the citizens’ interests. The promise of better living conditions has not always been followed by real and perceivable progress. A complex international environment – with new challenges arising, a slow economic recovery and a shifting global balance of power – has put even more pressure on a fragile region. At times, we had the impression that peace itself could not be taken for granted. We all share an interest in making peace in the Western Balkans irreversible, as well as social, economic and democratic progress. If this happens, progress towards the membership of the European Union will be irreversible too. This is essential for the European Union, as much as for the citizens and the leaders of the Western Balkans.

To contribute to these goals, the EU and its MemberStates need to constantly engage with all the capitals of the region. For this reason, this week I am visiting the entire Western Balkans, meeting leaders and citizens in Podgorica, Sarajevo, Skopje, Belgrade, Tirana and Pristina. I have wanted this trip to stop off in all six cities, and be truly “regional.” Each of the Western Balkans Six has its own identity, challenges and aspirations. But it is also clear that cooperation, dialogue and reconciliation have a positive impact both on the citizens’ daily lives and on the path towards membership of the European Union in the entire region. Montenegro’s good relations with all its neighbors show that cooperation is possible, and is a source of new opportunities for growth and human development.

In the coming days I will visit universities, and listen to the frustrations and hopes of the Balkans’ youth: their vision is essential to shape the country’s present and future, free from the prejudices and the animosities of the past. I will meet all governments and I will address national Parliaments, where I still haven’t had the opportunity to do so: that is the centre of each democracy, where policy makers must show responsibility and deliver on their citizens’ needs. Because this is what our common work is all about. The reforms at stake in each country matter not because the governments or the European Union want them, but because they can make a real difference to so many people in this region.

In Montenegro, a better justice system and a serious fight against corruption are essential to bring more foreign investments. Higher standards for environment protection will attract more tourists to this beautiful land. Pushing forward these reforms is the task of our generation. If we want to deliver visible and tangible results for our citizens, improve people’s lives, we must strengthen our cooperation today, not tomorrow. And this is our own responsibility, all across Europe, both inside the European Union and in the Western Balkans.”

 

Mogherini to half-empty parliament: Opposition refused my invitation (CDM)

 

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini says she personally invited the Montenegrin opposition to enter the parliament of Montenegro during her address to MPs, but they refused.

“I’m sad to see numerous empty seats today. The opposition did not accept my personal invitation to join us here at the exchange of views,” said Mogherini during her official visit to Parliament. Speaking in front of half-empty parliament, she stressed she did not come to Montenegro to tell us what to do. “You yourself know best how to respond to citizens’ requests… The political game is tough, but we need to enter it. I believe your society can reach a solution, dialogue and understanding, commitment, even the changes, and I’m sure the opposition will be able to take its place in parliament again,” said Mogherini. For that, EU integration is a good motive, she said, adding that Montenegro’s membership in the EU was not a dream but a realistic possibility. According to her, the responsibility for that matter lies on this political generation. “I entered politics when the war was here. Responsibility for EU membership lies on this, not the next generation… Now is the moment, but not in 20 or 30 years. Do not let some political struggle get in the way. On behalf of the EU, I can promise that the door is open and we want you to go through that door. Montenegrin citizens need you to take them to the EU, for the sake of entire Balkans and the EU,” said Mogherini. She added that peace cannot be taken for granted. “A neighbor’s weakness is my weakness too. I know that this is a concept that is difficult to accept in the Balkans. But history teaches us that the instability and lagging behind is something that can be easily spread to others. You cannot live as if you’re on an isolated island. We must learn how to live with our neighbours, because if you turn things in opposite direction – neighbor’s strengths are our strengths too,” she said. Mogherini says that the European Union cares about Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries.

“The EU door is open for Montenegro and for the entire region, and Montenegro is the leader of integration. Since independence restoration ten years ago, you have decided rationally to choose the path to the EU. The aspiration to be a part of the common European family is in the DNA of your people… The peoples of the Balkans are European people and this is Europe. You deserve the same rights as citizens of the continent that are in the EU,” said Mogherini. She considers Montenegro’s results in the integration process fantastic. “Life is hard in the EU as well, but I have to say that if you look at the results of this country, it is fantastic. The economy is in constant growth, tourism is developing, you are close to joining NATO, your contribution in military missions is significant, there is a progress in EU accession negotiations, so that Montenegro can and will be a part of the EU,” she said.

 

Vujanovic with Mogherini: Terrorism case to be resolved (CDM)

 

At a meeting with EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic said that he was confident the opposition would achieve its political objectives in parliament. He added that he hoped the criminal case concerning terrorist activities planned on election day would be efficiently treated and that the trial in this case would be fully transparent and public. He pointed out that the state policy of Montenegro would continue to further affirm the position of Montenegro as a good example in the region with no outstanding issues and a vast area of ​​cooperation with its neighbors. “We are strongly committed to continue European integration and the accession negotiations are an opportunity to accelerate the reforms and strengthen our institutions. I am pleased with the dynamics of the NATO integration of Montenegro,” Vujanovic stated.

 

Ivanov refuses to hand over the mandate to Zaev since he undermined the country’s sovereignty (META)

 

I will not give the mandate to any person, or party, which has a platform meant to destroy the sovereignty, integrity and the independence of the Republic of Macedonia. No one has the right to trade with the country’s founding values” said President Gjorge Ivanov. “By negotiating on the basis of a post-electoral platform made by a foreign state, the country’s unitarity and sovereignty have been jeopardized. This will have catastrophic consequences for the country’s future”, said Ivanov. He added that “he expected that certain political parties would show statehood and maturity after the elections” and instead they “spoke about a foreign post-electoral platform instead of rejecting the litigation with the unitary character, the identity, and the state’s interests.” “Because of this platform, we are heading into a deeper crisis, where the fundamental values, Macedonia’s state interests, and the citizens are brought into question,” said Ivanov. He added that the international community did not condemn the platform of the Albanian parties which, according to him, is interfering in the internal affairs and redefinition of the unitarity.

“There was no condemnation, only loud silence. Since they restrained from condemning the platform that jeopardizes the country’s sovereignty and unitarity, they should restrain from imposing a solution that is contrary to the state’s interests and with which they are blackmailing the Macedonian people,” said Ivanov.

 

Zaev: Ivanov led a coup when he made the decision not to hand over the mandate (MIA/META)

 

Gjorge Ivanov must rescind his decision and immediately award a mandate for the formation of government, because he is bound by the Constitution not to deny the will of the majority of citizens, which has been translated into 67 MP seats, and not to interfere with the constitutional, legal and democratic processes in Macedonia, SDSM leader Zoran Zaev said Wednesday evening in his public address. Zaev said Ivanov has carried out a coup d'etat by deciding not to issue a mandate for government formation, which he is obligated to do under the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia. “Ivanov is pushing Macedonia further in a deepening crisis with unimaginable consequences for the citizens and the country. He is creating a constitutional and state crisis by denying the will of the majority of citizens, cemented with 67 signatures of elected members of the parliament of Macedonia, and is hindering a legal and legitimate transfer of power to take place,” noted Zaev. With his behavior, he added, Ivanov has yet again played the role of protector and accessory of Nikola Gruevski and the leadership of VMRO-DPMNE.

“SDSM, and myself as its leader, will not allow someone else to play games with the future of the country for personal, political and criminal gain. The concept of united society, endorsed by the majority of citizens, is the sole guarantee of the unitary nature of Macedonia. Therefore, I call on the citizens to refrain from succumbing to provocation, regardless of their national, religious and political background,” urged Zaev. He appealed the citizens to remain calm. “I urge you to remain calm in line with the democratic processes leading to the formation of a new reform-oriented government Macedonia, which will be focused on solving the real problems of the citizens and the country and on implementing the rule of law.”

 

Hahn: All leaders, including the President, must respect the outcome of elections (META)

 

All leaders of the country, including the President, must respect the outcome of the elections, EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn said Wednesday commenting on latest developments in Macedonia after President Gjorge Ivanov has refused to give SDSM leader Zoran Zaev a mandate to form a government. “We have repeatedly stated that all leaders of the country, including the President, must respect the outcome of the recent elections. In a democracy, one must acknowledge parliamentary majorities, even if one doesn't like them. I therefore expect all political leaders and institutions to let the democratic process run its course – in the interest of the country's citizens,” reads Hahn’s statement.

On Thursday, EU messages are expected to be directly delivered to the Macedonian political leaders and President Gjorge Ivanov in Skopje by Federica Mogherini during her day-long visit to Macedonia, MIA reports from Brussels.

 

BESA Movement calls on international community to help Macedonia (MIA)

 

Following the decision of President Gjorge Ivanov to withhold the mandate to form a government from opposition SDSM leader Zoran Zaev, BESA Movement called late Wednesday on the international community to help Macedonia. This is a disturbing moment for the country, BESA said in a press release, calling on the European Union and NATO to help in restoring the rule of law in the country and bring it back on the Euro-Atlantic track. The party urges restrain and caution in these hard moments for the country.

 

Protesters call SDSM members to join their protests (Telegraf.mk)

 

Several thousand people who participated in a protest march organized by the civil initiative “For Joint Macedonia” failed to get closer to the headquarters of SDSM. The crowd was stopped by the police midway between the Parliament and the headquarters of the opposition party. It happened at a time when the Social Democrats were holding a press conference on which the SDSM leader Zoran Zaev addressed. The crowd was addressed by the actor Vanco Petrusevski who called the members of SDSM to join the protests. “Macedonian Brothers, Macedonia invites you to stand in defense of the unitary character of Macedonia. Today, we, the common citizens of Macedonia, urge members of SDSM and every citizen who sincerely loves a multiethnic and not bi-national Macedonia to join us. Do not stand aside, this is more important battle, your place is with the people. We the citizens want to stand up for one party, and it is our Macedonia,” Petrusevski said. He said they would not allow accepting foreign platforms.

 

All disturbances of public order and peace will be prosecuted, says Interior Minister (MIA)

 

The Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday condemned the incidents that have taken place on Tuesday evening following a protest in Skopje. According to him, all attempts intended to breach public order and peace will be prosecuted and the perpetrators will be sanctioned. “I urge the citizens of Macedonia to refrain from committing any type of violence and disturbing public order and constitutional values. Citizens have the right to protest in a democratic manner, to gather in public places and to voice their views, but the law on public order and peace must be respected,” Nuhiu told a news conference on Wednesday. Three incidents were reported to the police on Tuesday evening. One incident involved an attack on a journalist and a cameraman of the online outlet A1after a protest in downtown Skopje organized by the Civic Initiative for United Macedonia. The other two involved fights also in the center of Skopje between teenagers. Five people have been injured in the attacks.

 

Albanian PM warns Macedonian President: There can be no Macedonia without Albanians (ADN)

 

“There can be no Macedonia without Albanians dear President,” Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama warned Macedonian President Gjeorge Ivanov on Wednesday. Rama said that Albanian is not the language of the enemy. “Mister Ivanov, Albanian isn’t the enemy’s language but the language of a constituent nation in Macedonia,” Rama said. Rama’s comments came hours after Macedonian President refused to give the mandate to form the new government to the SDSM leader, Zoran Zaev, who has managed to take 67 signatures, up from 61 needed, to form the government thanks to coalition with Albanian parties.

 

INTERNATIONAL PRESS

 

Macedonia President Accused of Exceeding His Powers (BIRN, by Sinisa Jakov Marusic, 2 March 2017)

 

While opposition politicians appeal for calm, some legal experts are urging parliament to ignore the President’s veto on an opposition-led government - and elect one on their own.

Macedonian law experts said President Ivanov had overstepped his powers by refusing to award a mandate to form a government to the Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev, suggesting ways exist to bypass his will. They say President Gjorge Ivanov has no right to block the formation of a new opposition-led coalition government and that if he does, the majority in parliament should sidestep him. Recalling that Macedonia is a parliamentary, not a presidential, democracy, in which parliament represents the sovereignty of the people, they say the head of state cannot override the MPs’ collective will. Constitutional law professor Osman Kadriu said the parliamentary majority has the right to elect a new government, referring to Zaev’s 67 signatures of support from MPs. Parliament has 120 MPs in total. Kadriu said the acting temporary speaker, Trajko Veljanoski, should call a session to elect a new speaker. “The very next day, a session should be called to elect a new government,” he added. If Veljanoski, who belongs to the nationalist VMRO DPMNE party refuses to do this, Kadriu says there is another option. “The majority [of MPs] can then call in a session on their own, elect the oldest MP as chairman and elect a government. These options are both constitutional and doable,” Kadriu said. “Parliament is in charge of the election of a new government, not the President,” and “the will of the President should be overridden” in this situation, he added. Another constitutional law professor, Svetomir Skaric, agreed and also said Ivanov should be held accountable for overstepping legal boundaries. “All the elements for the formation of a government through a majority in parliament are here; parliament must immediately hold a session to elect a new speaker and then elect a new government as well,” he said. “After that, the legislators should open the issue of his [Ivanov's] responsibility for breaching the constitution,” Skaric told Faktor news portal. President Ivanov on Wednesday refused to award a mandate to Zaev, despite having a majority in parliament, claiming such a government had the potential to “destroy the country”. This was because Zaev had earlier accepted the coalition demands of the country’s ethnic Albanian parties as contained in an agreed “platform”. Zaev, who has obtained the support of all three ethnic Albanian parties represented in parliament, accused Ivanov of attempting a coup. By denying of the will of the majority, Ivanov was pushing Macedonia into an even deeper constitutional and national crisis, he added, urging Ivanov to immediately retract his decision. Macedonia has not yet formed a new government despite holding a general election more than two months ago on December 11. The vote ended in a near-tie between VMRO DPMNE and the SDSM and failed to resolve the long standing political crisis, as some had hoped. Macedonia has been mired in political crisis for two years, however, since Zaev’s Social Democrats claimed the VMRO-DPMNE-led government of Nikola Gruevski had tapped the phones of thousands of people, including his own ministers. Tensions – high since the election in December – soared further on Monday after Zaev asked Ivanov to hand him the mandate, and as VMRO DPMNE party supporters staged daily street protests denouncing Zaev’s announced government in Skopje and in other towns. Like VMRO DPMNE, the demonstrators claim a potential coalition government between the SDSM and the ethnic Albanian parties would endanger Macedonia's sovereignty. Both VMRO DPMNE and the protesters have called for “mobilization” to protect the country.

 

SDSM calls for calm while mulling options

SDSM secretary general Oliver Spasovski on Wednesday dismissed claims that the coalition deal with the Albanian parties breached the constitution and would lead to Macedonia’s eventual dissolution. He said acceptance of a new law widening the official use of Albanian would only strengthen the country by expanding basic civil rights. Asked about the SDSM’s next steps following Ivanov’s blockade, Spasovski advised calm. The party would “announce our next moves when we deem it right to do so”, he said. Asked about the option of circumventing the President, by MPs calling a session of parliament on their own, he said: “We will mull all options regarding the way of assembling the parliament and the election of a speaker of parliament. “Once we pass some decisions, we will do everything to get us going towards the path of the election of a speaker of parliament and the resumption of all other processes,” Spasovski said.

 

Albanians urged to resist ethnic conflict

In their own reactions, the leaders of the main Albanian parties in Macedonia cautioned allowing the crisis to spill over into ethnic conflict. Ali Ahmeti, head of the Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, echoed calls for calm, urging all ethnic Albanians to refrain from turning a crisis of the system, and within the ethnic Macedonian bloc, into a wider inter-ethnic conflict.

Ahmeti, whose party has backed Zaev’s bid to form the new government, dismissed Ivanov’s claims that the Albanian demands, as contained in the joint platform, were a “platform coming from a foreign country”, presumably referring to Albania, and thus unacceptable. “The mutual platform was aligned and written in Skopje and rests on the basis of the election platforms of all Albanian candidates in the December 11 elections,” Ahmeti stated. “This platform in no way or form endangers the country, its unitary character, nor does it envisages federalization or division,” he added. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday rebuked Ivanov in person on twitter. “Mister President. The Albanian language is not the language of the enemy, but of one constitutive nation in Macedonia. Without the Albanians, there is no Macedonia, dear President!" Rama wrote.

 

President’s move worries diplomats

Diplomats have meanwhile expressed alarm about Macedonia’s rudderless drift as a result of Ivanov’s decision. The US embassy on Thursday tweeted that it was “concerned that Macedonia [is] moving away from principles of democracy and rule of law, [which are] core NATO values”.

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier also expressed concern, tweeting that the results of the December 11 elections were a solid base for the formation of a new government, and announcing a visit to the country next week. EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn on Wednesday noted that the EU had “repeatedly stated that all leaders of the country, including the President, must respect the outcome of the recent elections. “In a democracy, one must acknowledge parliamentary majorities, even if one doesn't like them,” Hahn added. “I therefore expect all political leaders and institutions to let the democratic process run its course – in the interest of the country's citizens,” Hahn’s statement declared. EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, who arrives in Skopje on Thursday, when she will meet Ivanov and other political leaders, is expected to convey a similar message.