29 Apr. 2001

Lord Robertson condemns attack on Macedonian security forces NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, has vigorously condemned an attack on Macedonian security forces, which killed eight of its members on 28 April. "I was appalled and outraged by the news," said Lord Robertson in his statement. "I condemn the cowardly acts of the extremists and my message is simple: the violence must end and their tactics will not be successful," he added. The attack, which took place near the city of Tetovo, was the first in weeks in the border area with Kosovo. Ethnic Albanian extremists had attacked forces from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) in March attempting to force the government in Skopje to grant more rights to the Albanian community. Violent actions have since then been condemned by the international community and joint measures by Skopje and NATO were undertaken to put an end to the fighting and ensure a political dialogue over the Albanians' claims for rights. Additional information: NATO Press Release (2001)053 - Statement by the NATO Secretary General - 29 April 2001 Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.