It is lamentable that the agreements between the government and opposition in Skopje for overcoming the political crisis have not been upheld.

But this must not be allowed to be the final word. It would be unfortunate and also a setback for the entire region of the Western Balkans if a continuing political crisis in Skopje were to make the country’s further journey towards Euro-Atlantic structures more difficult.

I therefore call on all sides to now come together and engage in EU Commissioner Hahn’s mediation talks starting today with the aim of overcoming the crisis and holding elections which ensure equal opportunities for all.