North Macedonian leaders: Macedonian language and identity cannot be negotiated

The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, said claims that Macedonian language and nation had Bulgarian roots were "unacceptable", BGNES reported. "We will not negotiate the identity of the Macedonians and the Macedonian language. These are our red lines," Zaev told reporters after a meeting of the National Security Council. He pointed out that Greece had already recognized the right of Macedonians to self-determination and that he expected Bulgarian leaders to take steps in relation to the Macedonian language and nation. According to him, the Bulgarian-North Macedonian joint commission should continue to work in the spirit of friendship. "The shared history with Bulgaria is a fact," Zaev added. According to President Stevo Pendarovski, although both Bulgaria and North Macedonia stand firm behind their positions, compromises could be found, just like the 25-year-old name dispute with Greece was resolved.

First meeting of leaders of Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities

The first informal meeting between the leaders of the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus - the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades and Ersin Tatar - President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognized only by Turkey, will take place on November 3, BTA reported quoting a UN press release. The two leaders have never met before.

The meeting will take place in a neutral zone on the island, at the residence of the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus, Elizabeth Spehar.

Romania is ready to restart Silistra – Calarasi ferry

Greece introduces additional restrictive measures because of coronavirus

Greece has been preparing a national plan against the spread of Covid-19. The regions of Thessaloniki, Serres, Rhodope, Ioannina are under quarantine. Police monitor compliance and impose fines even for improper wearing of a mask, our correspondent Katya Peeva has reported from Greece. Free testing of the population has started. During the quarantine the activity of state institutions is terminated, the shops are open during limited working hours, evening hour is in force. Gatherings in public places and in private ones are prohibited. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, on October 28 Greece recorded a level of 90.4 infections per 100,000 inhabitants for the past 14 days. This is the fourth lowest level among EU Member States, according to BTA.

Turkey has no plans to restrict entry of foreigners into Istanbul

Compiled by: Miglena Ivanova

English: Alexander Markov