18:00/December 23/2021 Skopje – The Parliament verified Thursday the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, and consequently of the Government. Zaev tendered his resignation to Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi yesterday, saying it was a logical step following the outcome of the local elections in October. Skopje – President Stevo Pendarovski has been formally notified that Prime Minister Zoran Zaev’s resignation was verified and that the whole government is resigning, the President’s office told MIA. Earlier today, Parliament verified Zaev’s resignation. Skopje – North Macedonia has secured funds for the implementation of the project concerning the construction of gas interconnection with Greece, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi said on Thursday after signing a contract with European Investment Bank Vice-President Lilyana Pavlova. Investment in the project stands at EUR 57.8 million, of which EUR 28.9 million are provided via the EIB loan. Skopje - Parliament will not run away from discussing on any solution that is formally submitted to the institution, especially if it benefits the citizens and the country, said Speaker Talat Xhaferi on Thursday. Skopje – North Macedonia registered 269 new COVID-19 infections after 3,449 tests were conducted in labs across the country in the past 24 hours. In the same period, seven deaths and 353 recoveries were reported, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday. Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday accused NATO of massive expansion to the east with no regards for his country’s security interests. There have already been “five waves of expansion” despite assurances that the Western military alliance would not endanger Russian security, Putin said at his annual press conference in Moscow.