REACTIONS TO TETOVO INCIDENTS
Such unnecessary and senseless casualties serve to remind us how crucial the mutual respect of the peace and security of all our citizens is, the tranquility of our families and the future of our state, in times of war, conflicts and intolerance, as well as the readiness of all, within the framework of the system and its institutions, with mutual understanding, to settle all the problems, and even the most complex ones. Only that path promises us a better common future. Once again, I would like to express to you my sympathies for your deepest pain," is said in the telegram.
The funeral of the deceased Emini was attended by over 10,000 people, while the ceremony passed without any police presence. The people started gathering after 10.00 A.M., firstly in front of the house of the Emini family. In the next two hours, the number of people reached over 10,000. Representatives from the OSCE, as well as a large number of reporters from Macedonia and abroad were noticed standing in front of the entrance to the cemetery, while the entire happening was monitored by members of UNPROFOR from the surrounding hills.
After the funeral, a large number of citizens headed for the police station in the town, to demand the release of Fadil Sulejmani, who was arrested by the police during the night.
The situation in front of the police station, as "Nova Makedonija" reports, was tense and nervous. The people were chanting "Fadil, Fadil." Special police units positioned themselves in front of the masses, following the course of events. It did not come to any physical or verbal contacts between the police and the masses. They disbursed peacefully, after they were addressed by the member of the Macedonian Parliament Sali Ramadani, who told them that the release of the people taken in by the police would be negotiated, and that, if necessary, they would come to the same place again, but with "one hundred thousand people."
The parties PDP, NDP and Albanian Democratic Alliance - Liberal party (ADA-LP) started a joint meeting in the early morning hours, behind closed doors, which was also attended by representatives of the assemblies of the municipalities of Tetovo, Gostivar, Debar and Struga, as well as the ministers and MPs from PDP. The only ones not to attend this meeting were representatives of the seceded PDP wing.
According to what could be found out, this meeting did not focus only on the university, but also the eventual decision to walk out of the institutions of the system and to proclaim political autonomy.
Tachi especially underlined that it was necessary for the parties of the Albanians to review their participation in all spheres of life in the Republic of Macedonia. To the question whether that creates a situation similar to that on Kosovo, Tachi replied affirmably, listing all elements, such as boycott and civil disobedience.
The Under Secretary Gjurev emphasized that the house of Saban Kemal was searched, following which it was determined that he possessed two pieces of firearms, and automatic rifle and a gun with ammunition.
The Interior Ministry expects the charges to be accepted, which will be submitted to an investigative judge.
Gjurev explained that a very small number of police officers own such a weapon, but also that such a gun can easily be bought on the market, at a relatively cheap price, so it is possible that it could have been used by the police, but also by the citizens in Mala Rechica.
Otherwise, most of the policemen were equipped with the guns "Zastava CZ-99 (9 mm), while the special task units were carrying "Broving-hesler" guns (9 mm).
Under Secretary Gjurev emphasized that it was a civil obligation to uphold the decrees of the Criminal law and the Law for violation proceedings. "Regardless of the national affiliation of the people who do not respect the law, the Interior Ministry will treat them equally," said Gjurev.
The competent department, as it was stressed in yesterday's press conference, is continuing its efforts to determine the participants in the Mala Rechica incidents, while the arguments speak of more committed violations. Otherwise, the situation in Tetovo and the surrounding areas, according to under secretary Gjurev, is normalized. Yesterday, Emini was buried, while a part of the funeral procession headed toward the premises of the Tetovo Interior Ministry branch, with demands, which according to Gjurev, could not be fulfilled. According to Gjurev, this protest passed without any consequences.
REACTIONS TO TETOVO INCIDENTS
The UN Security Council has promised to provide respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of FYROM. We call on all citizens of this Republic to regard themselves foremost as citizens, and then as members of various ethnic groups and to continue with the mutual strengthening of the friendship and understanding within the framework of the law. Too much can be lost with confrontation, and so much can be gained with the deepening of the cooperation."
I still do not have sufficient information in order to give an assessment of what happened today. Besides, it is not my job to allocate blame. I can only say that I am deeply disturbed by what I have heard. I sincerely hope that the events today will not bring with them further unrest. Because that is something that neither this country nor the Balkan region needs."
The letter says: "The demands of the Albanians in Macedonia should be resolved with political means, as that would contribute to better relations between Kosovo and Macedonia."