by: XHABIR DERALLA
As an editor, often I have the task of putting some of the headlines to the media content that is published. And today as well, after having followed the first speeches of the conference “Beyond Ohrid” on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, I used the word spectacular in one of the headlines. That word is usually used for different types of events, but this time it concerns a truly spectacular event according to all criteria.

Starting from the design of the event, up to the participation of figures from a really “heavy category”, the celebration will remain to be remembered also as an international event, and not just as a national one. And it should. The messages, on the other hand, that were delivered by the speakers, and this political spectacle in the most positive sense of the word, once again assure me that our country is on a good path.

ONE MORE CONFIRMATION, NORTH MACEDONIA IS A BRIGHT EXAMPLE IN THE WORLD
Once again, from the mouth of great international names, we heard about all the achievements of our country, starting from the Ohrid Framework Agreement, up to Prespa, NATO and the exceptional success of the political leaders to build a democratic state where multiculturalism, freedom and equality are fostered.
A figure such as Lord Roberston, used the podium not only to describe and outline the challenges and successes of our country, but to also make a dramatically strong and direct appeal to Bulgaria to stop with the blockades towards our country.
We could hear many times from the podium the recognition that our country, with the Ohrid Agreement and the Prespa Agreement and certainly with the policy of good neighborliness and respect for diversity, serves as an example on a global scale.

ON THE OTHER HAND: IN THE DARK BASEMENT 
Those who wish to remain in a good mood and only with positive impressions from this international event, may stop reading, because in the following lines, from the bright side of the Macedonian reality that we saw today, I will throw a glance at the deep, dark basement that, unfortunately, is the ugly part of the Macedonian political mosaic.
VMRO-DPMNE and others who, although being invited, did not appear at the marking of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, once again confirmed the already known facts: The party of false patriots was, is and has remained in deep self-isolation. Unfortunately, some of their political allies and/or like-minded, carelessly fall into the trap that the biggest opposition party has set itself.

CONSISTENT WITH THE DARK PAST OF THE PARTY
With not a single action in the last four years has VMRO-DPMNE shown that it is ashamed of, regretting or rejecting the dark regime past of when it was in power from 2006 to 2016. With this behaviour, the party leadership once again clearly shows that it stands, politically, and of course also in many other ways, connected to the legal-security issues, behind the Bloody Thursday (April 27, 2017).
All the dark moments during the 11 years of rule, are beaming ever more strongly from the structure that succeeded Gruevski and is now leading the party. All of them were and have remained consistent with the dark party past.
Shutting down media outlets and journalists… Political, media and court-police revenge against entire families and individuals who have opposed them (Protugjer’s ditch depicts this best)… Electoral theft on industrial scales… Capturing of the state… Structural violence… VMRO-MVRO… Divo Naselje… Martin Neskovski… Tamara… Plots… Wiretapping of thousands of people, politicians, journalists, businessmen, intellectuals and mutual espionage… Beating of students… Stealing, immense stealing from the people, together with the membership of the party members… (the list goes on)

THE MESSAGE OF MICKOSKI AND HIS CAMARILLA
They are not giving up on the intention to further block the peace and progress of the Macedonian state. They are not giving up on doing everything possible to divide the country and to maintain the fire of ethnic intolerance and hatred. They will continue to block the Euro-Atlantic integration. They cannot imagine the country being successful, but can only see it as captured, divided, devastated and isolated. Because in the dark and lawlessness they feel the best, most comfortable and can profit the most.
There, that is the message that Mickoski and his camarilla have sent out, together with those who follow his infamous example. Probably, some of them are not even aware of the message they are sending out, at least I hope so. I am open to suggestions; I would like for someone to convince me.

BAD EXAMPLES
With extreme arrogance they also turned a deaf ear to the invitation of President Pendarovski for unity in the celebration of the great Ilinden (according to Mickoski – Easter). Previously, should we mention, they rejected a broad coalition for national salvation in the most difficult Covid days.
They declared all agreements to be “toilette paper” (Miloshoski). They are constantly blocking and hating. They did not find the virtue to help in a single moment during the Covid-10 epidemic (tavern, gym, blockades). They even abused the fires for cheap political profit. They didn’t even give one thank you for the parliamentary majority accepting their infantile pamphlet, a Resolution on the red lines that exist certainly also without them (I am still convinced that accepting this document of these remainders along the railways is a mistake).
They are blocking the reforms in the judiciary, electoral system, laws on promotion of rights and freedoms. They even blocked the economic packages for coping with the Covid-19 consequences.
When one thinks about it, they are not worthy of an invitation for celebration of the bright dates of the Macedonian statehood. Pity for those who might have a chance under the Macedonian political sky, but are following bad examples.

PS. I congratulate all those who were and are part of this historical process that lasts. I wish them good health until the next anniversary (and after) of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and other occasions that make North Macedonia a modern, multicultural and prosperous country (Prespa, NATO, EU…). The celebration for Independence Day, September 8 is next.

Translation: N. Cvetkovska