The Government of Macedonia at a session has reached a decision to unilaterally and temporary revoke short-stay visas for the citizens of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan for the period between 15 March 2013 and 15 March 2014 in a bid to resume the positive practice applied throughout the previous year, Government spokesman Aleksandar Gjorgjiev announced.

"This decision envisages the citizens of these countries in the upcoming one-year period to enter Macedonia under the same conditions in compliance with the practice enforced in the past year. It is expected this move to contribute to increasing the number of tourists from these countries and boosting tourism cooperation. Moreover, the decision also paves the way to improve the chances for intensifying the overall economic collaboration and foreign exchange," Gjorgjiev stated on Friday.