Statement to media by Maja Kocijančič, spokesperson of the European Commission for neighbourhood policy and enlargement negotiations:
- We all deeply regret the loss of lives in the operation in Kumanovo. Our thoughts go to the families of the police officers who were killed in the operation, and to the citizens who were caught up in the violence.
- Legitimate political representatives here and in the region have all in the past day denounced violence. It is important that they continue to do so and remain committed to a peaceful political discourse.
- It is hence our understanding that the armed group in Kumanovo is an isolated phenomenon. We therefore strongly believe that recent events must not be allowed to harm relations within the country’s society.
- We also hope that this will be the moment for the country’s leaders to pull together and engage in a serious and substantial dialogue on all issues facing the country, including notably the protracted political crisis and necessary reforms, which must be tackled to advance on the country’s European path.
