The United States is deeply concerned by the announcement by the Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov to pardon persons who are subject to investigation in connection with the wiretapping scandal, the US State Department Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson John Kirby said in a press release on Wednesday.
"If implemented, this decision will protect the corrupt officials and deny justice to the people of Macedonia. It will also further undermine Macedonian rule of law, the integrity of its judicial institutions, and the credibility of its leaders' commitment to the fundamental values of the NATO and the European Union. As a friend of Macedonia, the United States strongly urges the President Gjorge Ivanov to reconsider his decision, and to let the Special Public Prosecutor’s Office established as part of the Przino Agreement investigate serious allegations of government wrongdoing, and to allow the courts to do their jobs. We also encourage the government and parties to continue working on reforms that will strengthen democratic institutions and return Macedonia to a path to credible elections and Euro-Atlantic integration", the press release reads.