Macedonia's main political parties agreed on Friday to form "a government of political unity" which the West has advocated strongly as the best way to counter an ethnic Albanian rebellion. A statement was signed by the leaders of four main parties, including the two biggest opposition groupings, the Slav-led Socialists and the ethnic Albanian PDP whose reluctance had stalled the formation of the coalition government since Tuesday.

"The main goal of this government will be security and stabilization of Macedonia, continuation of intensified political dialogue and organization of a fair early election," the statement said.
Parliament is due on Sunday to approve the new government, dismissed by the rebels who demand a role in the political process, an idea rejected by the authorities and the West. Bureau Report