Washington, 2 May 2001 (RFE/RL) -- U.S. President George W. Bush is scheduled to meet at the White House today with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski to discuss developments in the Balkans. Trajkovski met yesterday at the State Department with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. Powell reaffirmed American solidarity with the Macedonian government in its campaign against ethnic Albanian fighters. Powell said the U.S. government is totally committed to Macedonia's territorial integrity.
Eight Macedonian soldiers were killed in clashes with ethnic Albanians last weekend. The incident sparked the smashing and burning of some ethnic Albanian shops in Macedonia.
Powell said violence will lead nowhere. He called for a peaceful political dialogue between the parties.
Eight Macedonian soldiers were killed in clashes with ethnic Albanians last weekend. The incident sparked the smashing and burning of some ethnic Albanian shops in Macedonia.
Powell said violence will lead nowhere. He called for a peaceful political dialogue between the parties.