A functional legal system is vital for any state that wishes to establish a longstanding democracy, peace and prosperity. This is important to point out, especially now, when the country is facing its latest developments, Euro-ambassador Aivo Orav stated Friday.
"EU's enlargement policy puts the rule of law and the legal system at the heart of the process. President Gjorge Ivanov's decision to pardon all the people that might have committed crimes seriously undermines the rule of the law and it creates a dangerous atmosphere where punishment is lacking. It is clear that all political parties declined this decision. I sincerely hope that all party leaders will fulfill their public and political responsibility and start with resolving the crisis, which is only getting deeper, so that lawmakers and experts can return to work and continuing the reform process" Orav said.
According to him, this can only be achieved through a normal political process, if the rule of law is totally restored, and if politicians stop wasting their energy on continuous political battles and impunity, which are not even confirmed in court.
"I am calling on all sides to avoid a further escalation of the crisis, intentional provocations with a political agenda are unacceptable, despite temptations. If the violence escalates, it will be very difficult to turn back from that and it will erase years of reforms in the country. So, in the interest of the people and the country's Euro-Atlantic integration process, we are calling on the political forces in the country to go back to the negotiating table so the situation can de-escalate and credible elections can be realized", Orav said.
He pointed out that it is important for the Special Public Prosecutor's Office and the Courts to continue their work so that justice and the rule of law can prevail.