Fears for Macedonia peace process as debate suspended

Macedonian politicians have suspended a debate on whether to adopt a Western-engineered peace accord.

A Nato envoy warns the move could put the alliance's role in the peace process in jeopardy.

Parliament must back the package for Nato to resume weapons collection from ethnic Albanian rebels.

Nato's ambassador to Macedonia, Hansjorg Eiff, told Macedonian officials that parliament cannot put up new conditions that would stall a step-by-step deal to end the six-month insurgency.

He spoke after parliament speaker Stojan Andov adjourned the discussion about reforms to grant greater ethnic Albanian rights.

He said talks on proposed constitutional changes could not be held while barricades remained on roads and protesters pressured parliament. There was no indication when the debate would resume.

"The conditioning of this process would certainly be risky," Mr Eiff said referring to Mr Andov tying resumption of debate to an end to unrest, following talks with Macedonia's president and other leaders. "We are concerned about the continuation of our action."

Outside parliament, about 15 angry Macedonian shouted "Nato terrorists, go home," and denounced the planned constitutional changes.

Before Nato can begin the second phase of weapons collection next week, 80 deputies in the 120-seat assembly must vote in favor of amending the constitution.

As part of the step-by-step deal, Nato suspended its arms collection on Thursday after culling about a third of the 3,300-piece arsenal offered by the rebels.