APPEAL FOR PEACE

For the sake of protection of the fundamental principles in a civil society and its future development in the democratic process, we express our concerns and condemn the recent aggression that has seriously jeopardized the security of the country.

We strongly condemn all acts of violence and the call for inter-ethnic intolerance. The occurrence of forced mobilization, the manipulation of civilians, particularly that of the young, and the creation of a human wall to further military goals are unfathomable actions of civilized man. The outcome of such actions will only serve to break away at the foundation of a civil society that the Republic of Macedonia has been building on for the last ten years. The lack of information in the media, its disinformation and its use of a propaganda war create panic and fear, which in turn, causes blame to be laid on entire ethnic communities. All this has social and psychological implications. All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia are suffering due to the current situation, particularly the poor and those of the small minority groups. The every day activities of the non-governmental organizations have begun to deteriorate. Important projects between domestic and foreign partners have been cancelled. The vision for a peaceful and stable democratic civil society has entered a critical phase.

We strongly condemn all actions that lead to the escalation of the current situation and appeal for:

• the condemnation of the use of terrorism as a means to solve political problems;
• the discouragement for the call of violence and ethnic intolerance;
• means to prevent both volunteer and forced mobilization of citizens called for by political parties, organizations and ethnic groups;
• the refrain of organizing public gatherings and protests whose aims are to make accusations of any ethnic group;
• all information to be made public in a concrete, unbiased and objective manner;
• the clear support for peace for the benefit of all Macedonian citizens.

Foundation Open Society Institute – Macedonia

Children Theatre Center, Skopje

Performing Arts Center "MULTIMEDIA", Skopje

"Child Abuse" NGO, Skopje

Association for Roma Rights, Stip

Center for Contemporary Arts, Skopje

"Step by Step" NGO, Skopje

Civil Society Resource Center, Skopje

Center for Continuing Education – Association of Judges of the Republic of Macedonia

"HOPS" NGO, Skopje

NGO Support Center, Veles

NGO Support Center, Prilep

Euro Balkan Institute, Skopje

Student Resource Centers in Bitola and Skopje