Russia is convinced the latest events in Macedonia are staged by foreign powers who are supported by the opposition, Telegraf.mk reads.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concerns on Thursday regarding the escalating developments in Macedonia and called on all stakeholders to turn to a political dialogue and calm the tensions down.
"With great concerns, we have received the news on the escalations of the political differences in Macedonia and the riots that took place in Skopje. We call on all sides to turn to a political dialogue and restrain from new outbursts in the crisis that lasts more than a year," the document sent to the Macedonian media by the Russian embassy reads.
.jpg)
At the same time, the Russian authorities have concluded that behind the escalations in the country is the opposition backed by exterior factors.
"We conclude that the Macedonian opposition has again become an instrument used to heat up the inner political conflicts, also with foreign backing, in order not to hold early elections on June 5, which represent the only democratic and legitimate exit from the long-lasting crisis. Holding the elections was agreed in the summer of 2015, with active assistance by the US and the EU, and the western partners have to respect the reached agreements and their obligations they have taken in the context," the memo reads furthermore.
"Activation of a 'Ukrainian scenario', foreign inspiration of illegal actions and state coups can lead to serious shakes in Macedonia, such as destabilization in the entire Balkan region," the Russian Foreign Ministry says.
.jpg)
According to experts, Moscow is realistic about the political situation in Macedonia, unlike the US and EU representatives, who are open when taking up sides.
Russia has voiced severe criticism following the violent events in Kumanovo last year, when it said that, according to Moscow, the scenario was thought up to push Macedonia into another military conflict.