Northern Macedonia: Today the funerals of the 59 victims of fire at the nightclub in Kotsani

A country in mourning, an endless fatal, mixed with screams of anger and rageand a « why » accompany every reference to the tragedy. Northern Macedonia today is burning the 59 dead in a nightclub in Kotsani, at dawn last Sunday, and this is the only issue not only of the current but also in discussions between people on the road.

As one crosses the border from the Evzone Station to Northern Macedonia, the flags that meet along the route wave waves, while the once lively rhythm of the Balkan music on the radio has given way to sounds of mournful, analogous atmosphere.

Northern Macedonia: « We didn't have a war … »

At a large-chain petroleum gas station, shortly before the Gevgeli, the treasurer is difficult to hold on to her tears when the RES-EIA envoy calls for Kotsani directions.

« We lost our children, it is inconceivable what we live in, » he says, with the employee adding: « We didn't have a war, such a tragedy. »

As one approaches Kotsani, the presence of the police is increasing, giving directions to those who want to reach the cemetery, where the last act of a tragedy will be played shortly afterwards, as the area has not seen, as it was said to the RES-EIA.

« Today is not time for words, it is time for our dead children, » he added, moving on where 24 graves have been dug by each other to welcome the dead.

« Another 7-8 tombs are scattered above, » he explained, asking RES-EIA reporters to be discreet in the pain of relatives as there is pervasive discomfort because of some photos that, he said, saw the light of publicity in the past 24 hours.

« It is certain that this wound will not close soon »

Moving towards the special area that is bounded in a corner of the cemetery for media representatives, at the camera view, a car stopped in the middle of the road and said in a voice he said: « No Photos! » (not photos).

Next to the freshly grafted graves, a platform is set up, and some 20th workers are waiting patiently in a corner. At the same time groups of the Red Cross are on alert for whatever happens, while journalists and other media professionals from neighboring countries are completing the scene in the cemetery, with police constantly giving instructions.

Most of the 59 victims of the tragedy were from Kotsani, where today at noon (in one hour of Greece), their funeral will be held in a particularly heavy climate, led by the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church of Northern Macedonia, Stephanos. One hour earlier there will be the funerals of some of the victims in the STIP.

« It is certain that this wound will not close soon. And we will not forget, « says a resident of Kotsani, among the many volunteers in the space wearing black t -shirts, carrying the inscription: » rest in peace, my dear angel. «