Joint statement of the Heads of EU Delegation, US Embassy, OSCE Mission and NATO Liaison Office in Skopje on yesterday's incidents at the Parliament

Today, we met to discuss yesterday's very serious incidents at the Parliament and review the security situation.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the organised attack on the Parliament which took place on 27 April. We express serious concern that the authorities failed to prevent it and did not provide the necessary security to Members of the Parliament and journalists present. An attack on a state institution which is at the heart of democracy is an attack on democracy itself.

We expect that these crimes will be investigated swiftly, organisers and perpetrators of the attacks will be brought to justice and courts will act independently. We also expect that the state institutions will rapidly draw the necessary implications and take appropriate action.

We call on all actors to behave responsibly and to contribute to a peaceful democratic process which must be allowed to run its course.

We call on all citizens to exercise restraint, avoid provocations and remain calm. Violence is not a way forward for the country and its society.