Skopje, 27 February 2023 (MIA) - Minister of Local Self-Government Risto Penov said Monday the demand of party Alternativa for creation of an "association of Albanian municipalities" is an attempt to score political points and urged for caution regarding such statements.

"We have built a concept of local self-government that meets the needs of all citizens and nationalities. I understand that some want to score political points but one must be cautious regarding such statements. These demands can have an impact on interpersonal relations that are fortunately more stable nowadays, and I hope citizens will not fall for such attempts to recompose the state," said Minister Penov.

Penov, a former Skopje Mayor, took part in the creation of the current local self-government, territorial division and decentralization.

"Back then, we talked with representatives of DUI, also including representatives from the group that is now seeking some changes. Backed by the United States and EU, we agreed on building a concept of local self-government that meets the needs of all citizens, of all nationalities," added Penov.