Security with regards to issues in the defense jurisdiction is continually monitored, and the Macedonian Army (ARM) is executing its tasks. The focus remains on meeting NATO standards, which are primarily standards for our sake, said Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi at Monday's Military Police observance of Macedonian Police Day.

"Pertaining to the region, the enhancement of the Euro-integration tempo, especially the NATO membership, is of exceptional importance for the long-term stability of the area. The increase in the number of KFOR troops in Kosovo aims at enhancing security and maintaining stability during the elections in Serbia", Besimi told reporters.

With regards to the cuts in the Defense Ministry funds by EUR 10 million through the Budget review, Besimi said Macedonia was faced with this challenge as were many NATO member-states and regional countries.

"In fact, this is the Alliance's 'smart defense' concept, efficient implementation of objectives through less means, in line with standards and security", he added.

Besimi said the defense budget was at 1.2 percent of the GDP, with a projected increase of over 2.1 percent by 2020.

"The current percentage is at the average of the NATO member-states and the regional countries. We are focusing on a more consolidated budget, especially in the section of modernization. We aim towards a defense budget that will not endanger projected objectives", underlined the Defense Minister.