Situation at the Macedonian-Greek border is stable and calm on Wednesday, but still raises concerns.
The Presidents of Macedonia, Croatia and Slovenia, Gjorge Ivanov, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and Borut Pahor respectively, did not visit the Macedonia-Greece border today due to security risks. Instead, they paid a visit to the allied police forces and the migrant transit center in Gevgelija.
After closure of the Balkan route, Macedonia has met its commitments in the refugee crisis management and securing of the southern border. However, Europe must send a clear signal to people who have been waiting to see if someone grants entry or not, said Ivanov, Grabar-Kitarovic and Pahor during their visit.
"We hope that people left in the camp will soon leave, since there is pressure by migrants who want the corridor reopened. However, we will respect the Brussels decision regarding the corridor, along which almost one million migrants had passed. We are thankful to Croatia and Greece for helping us in the border security and through other support. Moreover, the Brdo-Brijuni Process provides support and I hope the refugees will be on the agenda of the coming meetings", said President Gjorge Ivanov.
Slovenian President Pahor said the Brdo-Brijuni Process will be used in promoting Macedonia's progress to the EU and NATO.
"Macedonia has failed to make any progress for a while, not because of Europe and NATO, but due to domestic developments, the political crisis and the unresolved issues with certain neighbors. I am convinced they can all be resolved through democratic processes, followed by search for compromise regarding Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration. I am thankful that Macedonia is currently protecting its country, but also mine and Europe as a whole", added Pahor.
Croatian President Grabar-Kitarovic stressed the EU must send clear answers, since the crisis would not end until these answers are concrete.
"The situation at the Greek border is difficult because migrants are continually attempting to cross and open the Balkan route. But, it will be closed until countries seen as the final destination of refugees say whether they will admit them or not", she said.
Grabar-Kitarovic added that Croatia would continue to support Macedonia in the refugee crisis management and the country's Euro-Atlantic accession. She encouraged all political stakeholders to continue to solve problems that led to the political crisis, to continue to implement the Przino Agreement, and reach an outcome through democratic elections.
Earlier in the day, about 200 migrants, who were tipped over the presidents' visit, started to shout in order to get the attention of the European public. The police used tear gas to put the situation under control, the Ministry of Interior told MIA. Upon being briefed that the visit has been cancelled, the migrants ended their protests, adds the Interior Ministry.