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Moscow concerned over attempts to "shake loose" situation in Macedonia

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, it's necessary that Thorbjorn Jagland visit Skopje to promote normalization of the situation on the basis of the principles of the Council of Europe

Protests in Skopje EPA/NAKE BATEV

Protests in Skopje

© EPA/NAKE BATEV

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Attempts to use external factors "to shake loose" the domestic political situation in Macedonia cause concern, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Tuesday.

Aims to ensure peace and security on the continent "have been under the test in the Balkans of late within the context of an extremely explosive situation in Macedonia, where attempts to use external factors to shake loose the domestic political situation cause great concern," he said.

Due to fuelling tensions around Macedonia, Russia has suggested dispatching to the region the Council of Europe’s Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

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"In view of fuelling tensions around Macedonia the Russian side suggested sending the Council of Europe’s Secretary General to the region," the ministry said.

"Within the framework of his participation in the ministerial session, Lavrov held a working discussion with the Council of Europe Secretary General," it added.

In his speech in Brussels, Lavrov noted, "Given the obvious regional dimension of developments in Macedonia, it would be imperative that the Secretary General [of the Council of Europe] visited Skopje to promote normalization of the situation on the basis of the principles and values of our Organization." The text of the speech has been posted on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

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Analysts: Macedonia opposition protests may trigger another Balkan crisis

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Foreign policy Sergey Lavrov Council of Europe

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