Macedonian government's reaction Government spokesman Gjuner Ismail gave a news conference to state official views on the opening an Albanian-language university in Tetovo. "This cabinet continually follows the decisions and policy of the previous administration, concerning education in general and of minority groups. The government approaches the issue with full awareness and responsibility, strictly in accordance with its constitutional and legal rights and obligations. The government will move only within the legally established educational system and recommends the same to all those people and organizations desiring to establish any institution. The enthusiastic founders and promoters of the so-called university in Mala Rechica ought to be aware of this, since this government's stand has already been presented to them. Obviously, we will have to present it to them once again. What they are doing is nothing but an impudent violation of the constitutional framework and flagrant disrespect of the political reality. Their activities are political and they must be fully aware of the possible consequences of their interfering in the sphere of politics. The initiative for a university in Tetovo is, in fact, an attempt to deceive the Albanian population in Macedonia and the international public, as well as to impose damage on effects for appropriate solutions for all problems in ethnic relations. The whole event is just further proof that those who are loudest when they speak on behalf of their own nation are the least concerned about that very nation. I remind you of what happened in former Yugoslavia when nationalist leaders came to power. The government of the Republic of Macedonia reiterates its December official statement warning that all consequences of such steps will be borne by the initiators and those trying to promote such methods of resolving educational problems. This cabinet has never hidden the fact that there are problems in education, but it is taking steps toward the best solution given the realities of the situation. Such initiatives as the Tetovo university are steps in no one's interest and certainly not in the interest of peace." Asked about Joseph DioGuardi, Ismail said he is an ex-congressmen and a president of a citizens' association who has been received in Macedonia as a guest. "His attempts to be involved in politics in this region probably result from his inability to perform well as a politician back home now that he is no longer in the U.S. Congress," Ismail added.

Tachists will address parliament only in Albanian in the future Menduh Tachi, one of the leaders of the Fatherland faction of PDP, informed A1 Television his party has decided to have its deputies in parliament speak only in Albanian in future. The NDP leadership stated deputies of the party will not attend the continuation of the tenth parliament session, and A1 Television says the party is also considering to go along with the Fatherland faction's decision.

Holiday for Albanians Makpress reports official Tirana declared the establishment of the university in Tetovo the event of the year. The Albanian television announced the event as a holiday for all Albanians. Eduard Seljami, leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Albania, said future cooperation with Macedonia will "depend on whether the rights of ethnic Albanians in Macedonia are respected."

University in Tetovo unacceptable for the British Foreign Office The opening and functioning of the university in Tetovo goes beyond the legal framework of the country and is therefore unacceptable for the British Foreign Office. This was stated by Risto Nikovski, Macedonian ambassador to London, who met with several British Foreign Office officials two days ago. They clearly stated Great Britain is deeply concerned with the development of events in Macedonia, particularly by the establishment of the university in Tetovo. The official British standpoint regarding the initiative of ethnic Albanians in Macedonia is that solutions must be sought within the legal framework and educational system. Official London does agree some demands by ethnic Albanians in Macedonia may be justified and taken into consideration, but points out that problems in Macedonia are mainly due to its economic difficulties. The EU has undertaken some measures, but a solution has not yet been found.

Radio comment
Commenting on the ceremonial opening of the university in Tetovo and the presence of ex-U.S. congressman Joseph DioGuardi, Macedonian Radio said the following: "Every guest with good intentions has always been welcome in Macedonia. Our nation's eyes in these present times of international recognition of Macedonia are turned to the international public, which explains the intensive communication of Macedonia with the world, needed to accelerate the country's integration in world trends. Skopje has accepted the role as the diplomatic center in the Balkans and the Macedonian state with its government, institutions and parties became hosts to appropriate world representatives, delegates and missionaries, regardless of whether they have come as official guests, on private visits or incognito. Mr. DioGuardi, one of the leaders of the Albanian lobby in the U.S., has long ago proved his personal lack of principles when dealing with issues concerning Macedonia and the Macedonian people, openly taking the side of separatist forces among the ethnic Albanians in the country. Having come here on a private visit to Tetovo today, he spoke in Albanian to greet the act of establishing a university. Of course, he has received good compensation in dollars for it, as the initiators needed someone to give legitimacy to the event and strengthening the cause of secessionists in Macedonia. The Macedonian public is also familiar with Gert Arens, who failed to arrive in Tetovo on time for the ceremony; he will most probably arrive in Tetovo this evening. And later, as is characteristic of him, he will be giving ambiguous statements, only to deny and explain them again. DioGuardi and Arens are unfortunately not the only guests with intentions far from good. A number of such members of various missions staying in Macedonia - with or without a permit - have come with the task to introduce confusion in the country and act as legitimators of certain political doctrines in Macedonia. The Macedonian public has also witnessed diplomatic farces of a different kind when some missionaries visit branches of certain parties before they have even met their host. Such visits should be stopped at the very border. This, however, speaks more of our own mistakes, since such occurrences must not be incomplete official protocol rules. Mr. DioGuardi and the others are very well aware of the rules of behavior in democratic countries; they know they have to act in accordance with the laws and regulations in the host country. His visit is an example of bad and impolite behavior. It involves direct interference in internal affairs of a sovereign state, aimed at essentially affecting the establishment in Macedonia. Macedonia is a democratic country and is open to all guests, but they must respect the Macedonian state and its laws. Otherwise, government institutions must declare them persona non grata, just like in any democratic state."