The proposals for constitutional changes through which Ali Ahmeti from BDI and Imer Selmani from Demokraci e Re called Thursday for introduction of the Badinter principle in a number of segments of the justice system and in passing the budget brought the leaders of VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM, Nikola Gruevski and Branko Crvenkovski, closer together.

The two leaders said after the leaders’ meeting Thursday that these proposals had nothing to do with the Framework Agreement and therefore they could not accept them. Nova Makedonija comments that this has reduced to minimum the chances for changing the Constitution in line with VMRO-DPMNE’s proposal as regards the composition and term of office of the Judicial Council.

However, the four leaders left room for the working group made up of party experts to harmonize the conflicting proposals over the next two weeks. The final decision as to whether there will be constitutional changes is expected to be taken later this month.

“The response to the demands of Demokracia e Re is negative because we believe that they are not in keeping with the Framework Agreement and go far beyond its frames,” said Prime Minister Gruevski after the meeting.

Experts from VMRO-DPMNE provided a detailed explanation in writing to Demokracia e Re leader Selmani why the proposals of his party were unacceptable.