We've launched many initiatives wanting to lend a hand to SDSM to put an end to this situation it got itself into and involved the country along the way, said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in Sveti Nikole.

Gruevski recalled that several efforts had been made to settle the crisis, including a leaders' meeting, a package put forward on Feb. 13 regarding the initiatives by President Gjorge Ivanov and Parlaiment Speaker Trajko Veljanoski. "However, all of them were rejected by SDSM with its irrational behaviour."

"SDSM is making serious mistakes. They are preoccupied with the idea of not giving up, of continuing their struggle. Therefore, there is an enclosed system of making one mistake after another, not only for the party, but also for the country," Gruevski told reporters on Thursday.

The premier and VMRO-DPMNE leader said the opposition had time to think about the offered opportunity till Sunday.

"The Parliament has passed amendments to the Electoral Law. The opportunity is here and I hope reason will prevail making SDSM to change their decision," PM Gruevski noted.

"(EU Commissioner) Stefan Fule is also concerned about the crisis we are facing. He has made efforts to help in the past. It is obvious that he is visiting Macedonia on Friday in a bid to resolve the impasse with joined forces," Gruevski said answering a journalist question.

"We are prepared for talks based on our principles and positions. Hopefully, the SDSM leader will come to his senses because he calls all the shots," Gruevski stated.