As a result of the public reactions and an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the process and the possible risks involved, and through consideration of the expressed positions and public perception and consultations of experts in the matter, the President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Nikola Gruevski addressed the situation regarding the possibility of an eventual restarting of the Veles Smelter.

Respecting the strategic commitment for protection and promotion of a healthy environment, as well as the commitments for creation of a healthy business environment for economic development and attracting investments, but also taking into consideration the position of the citizens of the municipality and the city of Veles, Prime Minister Gruevski recommends to the investors to consider relocating the Smelter to a location which will in no way be a cause for justified concern of the citizens of Veles – in other words, a location which will not be harmful to the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Veles.

The Government is ready to assist the company in the relocation process if the company decides to accept this recommendation. The Government supports the opening of new factories which will in turn generate new job posts; nevertheless, people’s health, the wellbeing of all of us, of our children and of future generations to which we owe a healthy environment, must be above all. Having this in mind, even if the company decides to relocate the Smelter outside of the city of Veles, it should still implement the highest environmental standards.

The past tragedies of many citizens of Veles must not happen again – not to Veles or to any other city in the Republic of Macedonia.