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

Police blocked streets, arrange metallic fences and carried out 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 have been carried out at border crossings between North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Tensions rose as tons of of Bulgarians have been compelled to attend for a few hours at Deve Bair border crossing on the Macedonian facet. Border officers blamed a pc system crash for the delay.

Police stated 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 is no such thing as a motive for provocations. We have to transfer ahead … a united Europe requires stability,” Demerdzhiev stated. “We didn’t come right here to impress, however to indicate 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 id. Bulgaria had held up its neighbor’s bid to affix the European Union, however dropped its opposition to accession talks final 12 months after receiving a pledge on minority rights.