Therefore, it should not be surprising that the new ethnic Albanian representatives in the Macedonian authorities, from Ali Ahmeti's party, are publicly supporting independence for Kosovo, are challenging the border between Macedonia and the southern Yugoslav province, and are issuing new radical demands regarding the change of state symbols.
Nothing else should be expected from Ahmeti's people or from any other ethnic Albanian politician. I think that the categorical "no", with which Social Democrats reacted to the new demands for the discussion of the border and changes of state symbols, are the only valid response to new radical demands. Crvenkovski's team has no reason to risk new uncertain debates regarding these issues, and can defend its firm stance (at home and abroad) by at least two solid arguments.
First, problems currently raised by ethnic Albanians are not real or politically relevant. We haven't heard any rational explanation of why the already revised Macedonian flag must be modified again. The flag is definitely not used as a national symbol of ethnic Macedonians. If you ask me, it's a pity that it is so, but that fact a priori dismisses the idea of combining the stylized sun with some sort of an Albanian national symbol (I presume they have their black eagle in mind). Briefly, this is not a real topic for discussion - the flag is the way it is and ethnic Albanians should endorse it as their state flag in Macedonia.
There is no true "story" in the complaints about the border. Property disputes regarding land on both sides of the borderline can easily be resolved through a series of simple, technical measures. That, simply, is not a political issue. The fired up Kosovo elite, spoiling for a fight at any cost, is trying to force this issue into political framework. Simply, new Albanian demands are capricious, irrational, and violent.
Secondly, ethnic Albanian politicians must be told "no". They must realize that their signature on the Ohrid Agreement and decision to join the new Macedonian government marks the end of their revolutionary and opposition period. Participation in the government carries the obligation of assuming responsibility for the situation in the country. It's not the same to hold a political rally and to rule a state. It is much harder to "shoot" with good ideas than from Kalashnikovs. It is easier to start a war than to create peace.
Ali Ahmeti must know that the Macedonian part of the government has received the support of the electorate for cooperation with him. But if the ethnic Macedonians sense that that coalition is being abused with the goal of destroying the country, Crvenkovski will quickly lose its support. And then the participation of ethnic Albanians in such a discredited government loses all purpose. Its DUI's turn. That party must now demonstrate whether it is truly a democratic party and whether it really intends to fight for integration, as it keeps saying abroad. If he truly wants peace, Ahmeti must endorse the Macedonian flag and stop questioning the border with Kosovo.