SKOPJE, North Macedonia — North Macedonia on Saturday marked the birthday of a nineteenth century revolutionary amid tight safety within the capital of Skopje as a consequence of fears of clashes between opposing nationalist teams from North Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Each international locations have claims on the historic determine, Gotse Delchev, who opposed Ottoman rule within the Balkans that ended within the early twentieth century. The commemoration marks 151 years for the reason that start.

North Macedonia’s authorities say the commemoration is a “excessive safety threat.”

Police blocked streets, arrange steel fences and performed thorough checks within the space across the sixteenth century Orthodox Church “Sveti Spas” in downtown Skopje, the place Delchev is buried.

Helicopters and drones buzzed overhead, and inspections had been carried out at border crossings between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Tensions rose as lots of of Bulgarians had been compelled to attend for a few hours at Deve Bair border crossing on the Macedonian aspect. Border officers blamed a pc system crash for the delay.

Police mentioned in an announcement that three Bulgarians have been detained for “disturbing the general public order.”

Bulgarian Inside minister Ivan Demerdzhiev, who led the official delegation, referred to as the measures adopted by Macedonian police draconian.

“There isn’t a cause for provocations. We have to transfer ahead … a united Europe requires stability,” Demerdzhiev mentioned. “We didn’t come right here to impress, however to point out respect. We’re neighbors and good neighborliness ought to proceed.”

North Macedonia and Bulgaria are at odds over points resembling historic figures, ethnic minorities, language and nationwide identification. Bulgaria had held up its neighbor’s bid to hitch the European Union, however dropped its opposition to accession talks final 12 months after receiving a pledge on minority rights.