Early elections are not planned, Prime Minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski reiterated Monday answering a journalist question whether elections would be held prior to or after November as requested by opposition party SDSM.

According to him, nothing new had been said at SDSM's rally on Sunday, whereas the speech of its leader Branko Crvenkovski had been reminiscent of a similar one he had delivered back in 2002.

- Crvenkovski didn't offer anything new. There were no solutions, only accusations, criticism, attacks and personal disqualifications. It was largely reminiscent of his speech in 2002, when he constantly presented accusations. It was confusing to distinguish whether it was Branko Crvenkovski in 2002 or in 2010, Gruevski stated after meeting with parties from the "For Better Macedonia" coalition.

With regard to the name row, PM Gruevski said mediator Matthew Nimetz had intensified his contacts with both parties, but that there were no clear signals whether the mediator would put forward a concrete proposal.

- Obviously, mediator Nimetz is having frequent consultations with both sides. We assume his intent is to offer some kind of solution in the future. So far, there are no clear signals for a name proposal in due time, said Gruevski.

Asked whether there was a chance for a solution to be reached before the NATO summit, the PM said it was difficult to respond, because it didn't depend on Macedonia.

- It is probably possible, only unless there is will, understanding and respect by the other side for what is considered state and national interest, Gruevski noted.

The name dispute and the global economic crisis were the focal point of today's meeting between coalition partners from the "For Better Macedonia" coalition.

- These past six months have been extremelly difficult for me as a prime minister due to two major reasons - the global economic crisis and its impact in Macedonia as well as the issues arising with the name dispute, which obstruct our plans for NATO and EU integration. These are the two major issues and we will remain committed in the future to seek solutions, PM Gruevski stated.