The Greek authorities do not allow the plane of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, with which Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski was supposed to travel to Greece next week, to land in Athens, state news agency MIA reports. Consequently, Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski cancelled his participation in the UNESCO Summit of Presidents of Southeastern European Countries, which will be held in Athens on 13 June.

The Greek Liaison Office in Skopje informed the President's Cabinet that the reason for this decision of the Greek authorities is the same as the reason why MAT planes are forbidden from flying over Greek territory. President Crvenkovski and his Cabinet were offered other ways for the President to arrive in Athens.

President Crvenkovski and the President's Cabinet emphasized that this decision of Greece is contrary to the international norms and principles and does not contribute to development of the good neighborly relations and the commitments for sharing the common European and democratic values.

Greek President Karolos Papoulias and UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura sent invitations to Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski for participation in this summit.