site.btaNorth Macedonia's FM Osmani Recommends that President Pendarovski Convenes Security Council in Connection with Iran's Strike against Israel

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, has recommended to the country's President Stevo Pendarovski to convene a Security Council with the participation of the leaders of all political parties, including the opposition parties, in connection with Iran's air strike against Israel.

"Unfortunately, the predictions of increased tensions in the Middle East have come true. All violence must be condemned, whether it is perpetrated by Iran, Israel or Hamas. We condemn this attack, which does not lead in the direction of efforts to stabilize the situation in the region, as we have condemned previous ones, and the possible response that is being announced. We received information about a possible Iranian attack on Israel through NATO channels and therefore informed citizens in good time not to travel to that region. I urge political leaders and citizens to be careful, this is not the time to express distrust in the institutions (in the country). A possible wave of migrants on the territory of North Macedonia could potentially lead to serious destabilisation," Osmani said at a press conference Sunday.

A task force has already been formed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic missions of North Macedonia are preparing a procedure for the evacuation of the country's citizens from the region, said Osmani, who recalled that a large number of them were pulled out in October and between 40 and 50 citizens of North Macedonia remaining in the region, with whom there is continuous communication.

North Macedonia is in an election campaign for the upcoming April 24 presidential vote, which will feature seven candidates for the post, including incumbent President Stevo Pendarovski and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

Early on Sunday, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out its first direct attack against Israel. According to the Israeli military, over 300 drones and missiles were fired. According to Israel, most of them were intercepted outside Israel's borders.
Only a small number of rockets have hit Israeli territory and have caused no deaths or major damage.