Nikolovski: Russian influence towards referendum in Macedonia

We see an organised performance on social networks. An organised approach that goes towards reducing turnout in the referendum, a referendum failure, something that would further include a series of other events. First of all, false and false news. These are news propaganda but also false. Yes, first of all false news or I would say half the truth”, said Goran Nikolovski, director of the DSK.

There is no direct threat to Macedonia's security, and the ongoing propaganda is in the realm of geo-strategic interests, Nikolovski praised.

This statement by the DSK director comes at a time when Prime Minister Zaev only five days ago said he had no information and evidence of possible Russian influence against the referendum.

“As far as the possible impact of neighbouring countries or other countries in the region, I can say we have not identified countries that have spread false news, of course, the overall fight against false news remains here”- stressed Zoran Zaev, prime minister of the Republic of Macedonia.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during yesterday's visit to Banja Luka, denied there was a Russian intervention in the referendum outcome. On the contrary, he said, unlike official Moscow, many European and American officials go to Macedonia every day and appeal for the referendum.

While, Alsat M one week ago published information from the security services for the presence of Russian officials in Macedonia, who can unofficially amend against the referendum. When we sought answers from the Department for Analysis and Exploration at the Directorate for Security and Counter-intelligence, they briefly announced that everything is under control.