Skopje, 2 February 2023 (MIA) – The Macedonian police possess the necessary capacities to maintain the security and peace of the citizens in any situation, said Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski on Thursday in response to a question regarding the capacity of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to ensure a peaceful commemoration of Goce Delchev’s birth anniversary on February 4.

 The citizens, he said, should not worry at all because all measures will be taken to ensure a dignified commemoration, without any disruptions of the public peace and order.

“The country has institutions in charge of maintaining the public peace and order. On the basis of analyses, a plan will be carried out for a peaceful commemoration. The police presence should assure us of a peaceful and dignified commemoration, and not disturb us. They are the ones protecting us and providing a secure environment for us to live and work in,” Spasovski said in a TV interview.

Additionally, the Minister said that the announcements about some kind of “night guards” are unacceptable, and the police are the ones who guarantee the safety of the citizens.

“No political party can appropriate a historical figure and his work. He belongs to the Macedonian people. Goce Delchev deserves a dignified celebration of his work. As a country we are leading a policy of good-neighborly relations, however, that is also why we ask for respect and dignity. We will not deviate from these principles. We want to lend a hand to anyone, but we will firmly oppose anyone who wants to degrade Macedonia and the Macedonian people,” stressed Spasovski.

In the interview, the Interior Minister reiterated his calls for a dignified commemoration, sent a message to everyone that each individual is responsible for the common security and democratic behavior, and that the Macedonian police are fully prepared to provide the conditions for a dignified commemoration of the birth anniversary of Goce Delchev, without any disruptions of the public peace and order. ad/nn/