Macedonians to vote on rights law

Macedonia's parliament has ordered a referendum to be held in November on a law seen to favour ethnic Albanians. The decision comes after opponents of the law collected enough signatures on a petition calling for a referendum. Critics say the law passed in August divides the country along ethnic lines. Ethnic Albanians say it is essential to improve their position in the country. The law is part of an internationally-brokered peace deal, seen as vital to Macedonia's bid to join the EU. The referendum will be held on 7 November, said parliamentary speaker Ljupco Jordanovski. President Branko Crvenkovski recently played down talk that a referendum would prove divisive.