The Summit dedicated for cooperation between SE European nations was cancelled by the Macedonian president Gjorgje Ivanov earlier today.
The cabintet of the Macedonian president announced the Summit was cancelled to protect state interests and Macedonia's dignity, adding Macedonia does not wish to be involved in games with 'vetos' and 'boycotts'.
Unfortunately, Balkan stereotypes played a major role in the cancellation of the summit after Serbia, Bosnia and Romania objected to the host that should Kosovo be invited by the hosts they would not take part in the Summit. On the other hand, Albania and Croatia sided with Kosovo and proclaimed that if Kosovo was not invited they would cancel their participation.
It was at this point where the Macedonian president decided to simply uninvite them all.
"Macedonia followed all acts of the process. Unfortunately, old Balkan prejudices and stereotypes are alive again and I won't allow Macedonia to be put in the middle of it, nor to pay the price for it." said the Macedonian president who was host of the Summit.
According to president Ivanov "issues and challenges are resolved through a dialog".
"The entire year we were preparing for this Summit and I did everything I could to bring all leaders in Ohrid to sit at the same table" says Ivanov, adding he wishes luck to the next organizer of the Summit.
This is a clear signal to Europe, which reflects the reality in our region and it should serve as a warning, said Ivanov, noting that "state integrity and dignity are most important."
The cabintet of the Macedonian president announced the Summit was cancelled to protect state interests and Macedonia's dignity, adding Macedonia does not wish to be involved in games with 'vetos' and 'boycotts'.
Unfortunately, Balkan stereotypes played a major role in the cancellation of the summit after Serbia, Bosnia and Romania objected to the host that should Kosovo be invited by the hosts they would not take part in the Summit. On the other hand, Albania and Croatia sided with Kosovo and proclaimed that if Kosovo was not invited they would cancel their participation.
It was at this point where the Macedonian president decided to simply uninvite them all.
"Macedonia followed all acts of the process. Unfortunately, old Balkan prejudices and stereotypes are alive again and I won't allow Macedonia to be put in the middle of it, nor to pay the price for it." said the Macedonian president who was host of the Summit.
According to president Ivanov "issues and challenges are resolved through a dialog".
"The entire year we were preparing for this Summit and I did everything I could to bring all leaders in Ohrid to sit at the same table" says Ivanov, adding he wishes luck to the next organizer of the Summit.
This is a clear signal to Europe, which reflects the reality in our region and it should serve as a warning, said Ivanov, noting that "state integrity and dignity are most important."
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