The embassies of the United States and the European Union condemned last night the violence that has shaken Macedonia in recent days.
"We join with citizens across the country and political leaders in condemning the violence," said the joint statement, which also expressed condolences to Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and the Macedonian people for the death of eight policemen who were killed the day before in Kumanovo.
The USA, EU, Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy have also offered their help to the Macedonian authorities.
"We welcome the initiative of the head of state to meet with all political parties," reads the statement, with a call to citizens to refrain from violence and to show calm during new gatherings.
"Peaceful enjoyment of democratic rights and rejection of aggressive acts towards fellow citizens - regardless of whether they are police officers or demonstrators - is a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in the service of the Macedonian people".
Yesterday, the ambassadors spoke with Gruevski, during which, as stated, the friendship of the people of these countries and organizations with the Macedonian people was confirmed.
"We have been supporting Macedonia's efforts to join the EU and NATO for a long time, and as friends and partners we have also expressed our concern about the political crisis," the statement said.
It is noted that the ambassadors expressed their concern to the prime minister that his government has not made progress in the cases related to the alleged abuse of position by his government, which has been pointed out by the leader of the opposition SDSM, Zoran Zaev, in recent months.
"This continued inactivity casts serious doubt on the commitment of the Government of Macedonia to the democratic principles and values of the Euro-Atlantic community," the embassy said in a statement, with a warning that if there are no concrete actions, "Macedonia's progress towards membership in the EU and NATO will be undermined."
The embassies also expressed the expectation that in case of disclosure of the wiretapped conversations, which clearly indicated the unacceptable behavior of people in power, appropriate political and legal measures will be taken against those responsible for these abuses.
"In order to address the institutional weakness revealed by these videos, we call on the authorities to consider concrete reforms, including the integrity of the electoral system, freedom of the media, independence of the judiciary, freedom of speech and protection of whistleblowers."
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