Macedonia Press Review – March 4, 2013

DNEVNIK
The situation in the capital, especially in the centre of the city and near Bit-Pazar and Cair is tense since Friday. After the end of riots that erupted on Friday and Saturday, the police presence is visibly increased in these parts of the city, while there are fewer people on the streets. The tension comes after protests and counter protests concerning the appointment of former Albanian guerilla commander, Talat Xhaferi, as the new defense chief, turned violent.

UTRINSKI VESNIK
Broken glass, cracked windows, and burned grass are the only remaining clues of the two day ethnically-charged violent protests in Skopje, sparked by the controversial appointment of an ex-guerrilla as defence minister. After the chaos left after the riots on Friday and Saturday, people are back on the streets and shops are open, the daily says. Analysts see political background and mixed interests behind the riots.

Balkan Insight has not verified the reports and cannot vouch for their accuracy.