Skopje, 13 October 2022 (MIA) – The Government has reacted through numerous officials and has been clear and unequivocal on this issue - we do not believe that the names of the clubs contribute to goodneighborly relations and we consider them to be a provocation. However, I believe that it would be better for us as a democratic country, a NATO member, a member of the Council of Europe, OSCE member, and an EU candidate member, to solve these issues institutionally, instead of violence, said Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj on Thursday. “Violence is not an answer and does not help solve the issues. I believe that the Central Registry, the relevant courts and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have the ability to act within the current legislation as well. From what I know, the Central Registry is already taking action regarding some of these cases, as well as the ad hoc group established by the Ministry of Justice in order to make amendments in the legislation related to names of associations,” said Marichikj. The Deputy PM stated that the country currently has one of the most liberal laws on associations and foundations in Europe, but some changes will have to be made within the framework of the international and European conventions in order to avoid situations like these. “The opening of any club or association in North Macedonia is not an issue in itself, but when they are named after controversial historical figures, of course that it ends up being an issue which challenges public security, order and peace, as we have seen,” said Marichikj and announced that additional work will be done to try to solve this issue in accordance with the practice of other democratic countries. Ambassador David Geer noted that North Macedonia has a good track record regarding relations among ethnic communities. Therefore, all sides should make an effort to promote mutual understanding and respect. ad/ik/