Right of Reply to Russia on Russian Disinformation About Interference in Macedonia
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i Harry Kamian
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
November 22, 2018
I would like to exercise my right of reply to respond to the statement made by the esteemed Ambassador from Russia.
Mr. Chair, the United States welcomes the decision by Macedonia’s Parliament to initiate the process to amend the Constitution, an important step in the implementation of the Prespa Agreement with Greece. The United States strongly believes the Prespa Agreement is a unique and historic opportunity to advance stability, security and prosperity — not just in Macedonia and Greece, but throughout the region. It is consistent with the will of the Macedonian people.
Mr. Chair, any suggestion that U.S. Embassy officials in Skopje were involved in the parliamentary vote process are patently false. A statement we made last week as well, and will continue to make in light of false accusations made by the Russian Federation or anybody else. Mr. Chair, these accusations in our view are ludicrous and, regrettably, they are typical of Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns across the board.
Thank you.