site.bta Bulgarian President Plevneliev Talks by Telephone to Macedonian President Ivanov

Bulgarian President Plevneliev Talks by Telephone to Macedonian President Ivanov

Sofia, April 14 (BTA) - Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev held a telephone conversation with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov in connection with the complicated political situation and the escalation of tensions in Macedonia, the head of State's Press Secretariat said on Thursday.

Opposition supporters rioted in Skopje on Wednesday, reacting to a blanket pardon issued by Ivanov for 56 government and opposition figures in a scandal over alleged government wiretapping of over 20,000 people. Demonstrators broke windows at an office used by Ivanov, smashed windows at the Ministry of Justice, scuffled with riot police, threw stones and eggs at government buildings and set off flares before police dispersed the crowd with batons.

Plevneliev voiced Bulgaria's concern and expressed the hope that tensions will ease and stability will be restored.

The Bulgarian President stressed that Bulgaria, too, has experienced political crises in recent years. "When a country faces a difficult choice, protests and strong political confrontation, the only way out is reliance on the Constitution and preservation of law and order in the State. Adherence to this principle has helped our country overcome the political crises and emerge as a factor of stability in the Balkans at present," the head of State emphasized.

"As a good neighbour and in its capacity as Chairman of the South-East European Cooperation Process, Bulgaria is ready to assist in the finding of a solution," Plevneliev said during the conversation. "The solution lies in dialogue, in respecting the rules, the rule of law principle and the Constitution," he pointed out.

"In the present situation in Macedonia, the country's Constitution and the Przino Agreement are the groundwork for restoring political stability and organizing fair and democratic elections. Democracy and the rule of law require from institutions to act in accordance with the law in the interest of all citizens. A settlement can be reached only through dialogue among the political leaders, prevention of violence and restoration of public order in the country. Political parties must commit themselves to the preservation of order and renunciation of all forms of violence," Plevneliev pointed out.

The President expressed Bulgaria's support for the work of the special prosecutor, who should continue the investigation, and for the implementation of the Przino Agreement in its entirety. "Citizens expect justice and it cannot be denied to them. Top-level corruption must be investigated rather than amnestied," the Bulgarian head of State said.