Tetovo, 13 April 2024 (MIA) - SDSM presidential candidate Stevo Pendarovski addressed Saturday a rally in Tetovo, saying the incumbent authorities have created two vital constants in Macedonia over the past seven years - Euro-Atlantic integration and interethnic coexistence - which will result in European Union membership in a few years.

"Unfortunately, the obstructions from outside but mostly from our own opposition resulted in us stopping after the first intergovernmental conference. The opposition cannot seem to agree to stop putting obstacles on Macedonia's European path. If not for the opposition, I guarantee that we can compete negotiations and join EU as a full-fledged member in 4,5 years. This is the only path to development and the only way to reduce the emigration of youth, primarily in the EU. The only way is to give your support to this political coalition, everything else is a risk and a return to the dark past," said Pendarovski.

Pendarovski responded to VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski, who said the President had taken part in a meeting that focused on giving amnesty to certain people.

"I think Mickoski is seeing things and must have replaced me with my predecessor Gjorge Ivanov, who pardoned criminals. I have never pardoned criminals and don't intend to. Mickoski's biggest fear is (former PM Nikola) Gruevski's return, because if he comes back, you all know who is the boss there. They are saying I will give amnesty to Gruevski through the Criminal Code amendments. Has anyone seen Gruevski in Macedonia? Therefore, let me repeat - I have never intended to pardon anyone nor intend to. Mickoski should turn to Ivanov for this, who by the way is a personal friend of my opponent Gordana Siljanovska Davkova," said Pendarovski.

Pendarovski recalled on his visits to Tetovo back in 2001, in an effort to overcome the crisis at that time.

"I told citizens that the only way is to have productive coexistence, if we come to an agreement among each other and if we are all equal in this country. A country that is a common home of all, with no landlords and tenants," said Pendarovski.

Earlier in the day, Pendarovski also met with the citizens of Brvenica, Zhelino, Jegunovce and Tearce.

Photo: Pendarovski campaign