LOCAL PRESS

 

Vucic: Dialogue to be continued when Pristina scraps taxes (Tanjug)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday reiterated Belgrade was prepared to continue the Brussels dialogue as soon as Pristina scrapped its taxes on goods from central Serbia. Speaking to reporters after the opening of a new Calzedonia production plant in Kula, northern Serbia, he said that rules and reached agreements must be respected in every dialogue.

 

Brnabic: Serbia committed to normalization of relations with Pristina; dialogue to continue after duties are revoked (Beta/Politika)

 

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said at a Nov. 20 meeting with Denmark's Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen that Belgrade was committed to the normalization of relations with Pristina, but that the talks would continue when Pristina reversed the decision to impose customs duties on Serbian products. She added that the move was in violation of CEFTA. Brnabic said that accession to the European Union was Serbia's strategic priority, and that her cabinet

had taken reforms very seriously, adding that additional efforts were made to advance regional

cooperation, the Serbian government released. Samuelsen said that Denmark supported a European prospect for Serbia, and that even though bilateral relations were good, new investment, economic and cultural ties would improve them. In an interview with the Politika daily ahead of his visit to Serbia, the Danish foreign minister said "it's not time" to suspend the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, pointing to a direct link between overall normalization of relations and concrete prospects and aspirations towards the EU. Commenting on the decision by the Kosovo authorities to introduce new duties on imports from. Serbia and Bosnia, he said that Denmark shared the Union's position expecting Kosovo to respect the CEFTA rules and withdraw the latest measures, but he invited Belgrade to continue the normalization talks nevertheless.

 

Danish Foreign Minister meets Vucic, Dacic (Beta)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen, thanking him for the support to Serbia in the EU accession process, and expressing hope that Danish investments in Serbian economy would grow, the Serbian presidency reported in a press release. Minister Samuelsen, the first Danish foreign minister visiting Serbia in years, said that Denmark respected the years of diplomatic relations with Serbia, adding that it was necessary for the two states to strengthen bilateral ties for the benefit of both. Samuelsen reiterated his country's support not only to Serbia's EU accession, but the integration of the

Western Balkans as well. Discussing the regional situation with Minister Samuelsen, Vucic underlined the need for talks with Pristina, in order to reach a just and sustainable compromise, which was a prerequisite for peace and stability in the Western Balkans, but he made it clear that the dialogue could continue only after Pristina withdrew the latest dues on Serbian products, in clear violation of CEFTA, the presidency went on to say. Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, voiced thanks for Denmark's support to Serbia's accession to the European Union, saying there was still room for improvement in the bilateral relationship. Dacic said at a joint press conference that Denmark had recognized Kosovo's independence, but that it was a mutual desire to strengthen relations between Serbia and Denmark, which a more dynamic political dialogue would support. The two ministers also discussed regional stability and the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Samuelsen encouraged the resumption of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, stressing that the dialogue needs to be constructive and to lead to the legally-binding agreement. He also stressed that Denmark expects both sides in the Brussels dialogue to fulfill what had been signed thus far.

 

Kocijancic urges conditions for further dialogue (Tanjug)

 

European Commission spokesperson Maja Kocijancic on Tuesday urged Serbia and Kosovo to ensure conditions for continuation of their dialogue and added that Interpol was a significant partner of the EU but that the rejection of Kosovo's application for membership in the organization was a matter that concerned Interpol, not the EU. Declining to comment on Interpol's decision to reject Kosovo's application, Kocijancic said it was a decision made by the organization’s member states.

 

Meron optimistic and disappointed (N1)

 

The outgoing President of the UN war crimes tribunal Judge Theodor Meron told N1 on Tuesday that he is optimistic about the future of the region but that he has to react to negative occurrences such as the recent interview in which Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said the crimes in Srebrenica were not genocide. “I am disappointed by anything that has been done in Serbia or elsewhere to deny that genocide was committed in Srebrenica. I made that very clear to the prime minister. I am against any form of denial of war crimes, especially genocide,” Meron said adding that The Hague Tribunal determined that the events in Srebrenica were clearly genocide. “It does not help any government to challenge the findings of any international court and I hope that over time the government of Serbia will express support for the judgements of the Hague Tribunal and realize that it does not serve its own interests to challenge the judgements of international courts,” he said. He said that he told officials in Belgrade that Serbia needs to continue being active in bringing alleged war criminals to justice. “National jurisdiction should lead the way and I expect all the countries of the region to continue and intensify their efforts,” he said.

 

REGIONAL PRESS

 

Dodik, Dzaferovic and Komsic take oaths (RTRS)

 

The inauguration ceremony of a new convocation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency officially took place in Sarajevo on Tuesday. Serb member of B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik, Croat member of B&H Presidency Zeljko Komsic and Bosniak member of B&H Presidency Sefik Dzaferovic took oaths and assumed their office, in presence of two former members of B&H Presidency Bakir Izetbegovic and Mladen Ivanic. According to rotation order in the Presidency, Dodik will be the first Chairman of B&H Presidency in the next eight months. During his welcoming speech, Dodik emphasized that his policy will be a policy of Republika Srpska (RS). Dodik said that he did not come to B&H Presidency to be photographed, to travel around the world and receive salary, but to reach an agreement with full respect for the two entities, the three peoples, joint institutions and all citizens in B&H.  Dodik reiterated that Serbia is his motherland and that he will pursue his policy in this context. “I do not want to make any bad move towards Bosniaks, or the Federation of B&H, or Croats or their Cantons. However, I also demand adequate treatment for the RS that I represent here and for the Serb people, wherever they are”. According to Dodik, his policy in B&H Presidency will be based on B&H Constitution and the Dayton Peace Agreement, and he will advocate abolition of mandate of a High Representative to B&H who imposed 540 decisions and interventions to the Constitution, that he was not entitled to. According to Dodik, his work will be directed towards decreasing influence of the international community (IC), departure of foreigners from B&H Constitutional Court, neutral status and demilitarization of B&H, as well as development of cooperation with the US, Russia and China, while the EU is and should be the goal. Dodik announced: “This is why I will demand at the first session jointly with my colleagues that the EU and its structures – regardless of the fact that this may seem naive – gives B&H a status of the candidate as soon as possible, in order to create new dynamics”. Dodik announced that he will establish a system of representation of the RS in Sarajevo on Wednesday, by removing all representatives of Serbs from the RS in B&H Council of Ministers. The reporter noted that Dodik wore the RS flag on a lapel, while the RS flag was set in a salon of B&H Presidency at his request and even before he took the oath, Dodik bow down before the RS flag. Addressing attendees, Dzaferovic put emphasis on the Euro-Atlantic integration, marking regional cooperation and cooperation with neighbors as foreign-policy goals. Dzaferovic argued that it is necessary to separate several processes that are of key importance and those are: reintegration of the country and its integration in the EU and the NATO, along with accelerated implementation of economic and social reforms. Addressing attendees, Komsic marked the Euro-Atlantic integration as top priority and underlined that it is time for B&H to stop being an object and start being a subject in international and regional relations. Komsic added that in order to achieve this goal, he is willing to invest additional effort in better cooperation with all former Yugoslav countries. Komsic underlined: “To strengthen our economic status, a new approach to diplomacy and foreign policy of B&H, to fight against foreign influence on the election process, to prevent growth of violent groups in the country are priorities”.

 

Members of B&H Presidency and HR Inzko: Unity is only way for B&H within its legal framework (BHT1)

 

Following the inaugural session at which the new members of the B&H Presidency took oaths, Bosniak member Sefik Dzaferovic (SDA), Croat member Zeljko Komsic (DF) and Serb member and Chairman of Presidency of B&H Milorad Dodik (SNSD), as well as the High Representative to B&H Valentin Inzko presented a unified stance to that unity is the only way for B&H within its legal framework. Dodik stated that the Presidency of B&H needs to strengthen its role of management and guidance of politics. Dodik pointed out that B&H does not have a government and that the Council of Ministers (CoM) is not a government, and in that regard, some changes and relations will have to be made. He claims that acting in line with the Constitution is what can keep us (B&H) together. Dzaferovic stated that we have to respect the legal framework. Asked to comment the role of the High Representative. Komsic stated that B&H is not the one who chooses the High Representative, nor does it have the right to revoke him, underlining that this is a position that comes under authority of the UN. Komsic noted that entering such discussions leads nowhere and can only lead to waste of time which will not give any results, but could however complicate relations in B&H. Inzko stated that he feels there are a lot of joint goals such as the EU path which means that there is quite a lot of opportunity for cooperation and that we should be realistically optimistic on this day.

 

Vucic congratulates new members of B&H Presidency, Cvijanovic for taking over posts (BN TV)

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic congratulated newly elected members of the Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) Presidency Milorad Dodik, Zeljko Komsic and Sefik Dzaferovic on their inauguration that took place in Sarajevo on Tuesday. He wished them to contribute to progress of the country and wellbeing of all citizens through their work. “While I expect cooperation and strengthening of bilateral relations between Serbia and B&H, I wish you success in performing this responsible duty,” Vucic said. Vucic congratulated Dodik for officially taking over the office in Sarajevo on Tuesday. Vucic expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries will be stronger and more successful with Dodik, a big Serbian friend. According to Vucic, cooperation of Serbia with B&H and Republika Srpska (RS) represents the basis for the regional peace and stability. He emphasized that Serbia remains a sincere and a reliable friend and partner of B&H and expressed gratitude to Dodik, for his personal contribution in defense of state and national interests of Serbia. Vucic also congratulated new RS President Zeljka Cvijanovic for taking over the post. Vucic said that he is convinced in Cvijanovic’s commitment to secure progress of the RS and welfare and at the same time, he is convinced in her commitment to preserve peace and stability in B&H. Vucic added that Serbia is a sincere friend and partner of the RS and added that the country supports the RS in realization of goals and plans of joint interest.

 

RS President Cvijanovic nominates SNSD’s Viskovic as RS PM-Designate (RTRS)

 

New Republika Srpska (RS) President Zeljka Cvijanovic nominated SNSD’s candidate Radovan Viskovic as a new RS Prime Minister (PM)-Designate. Cvijanovic and Viskovic stated that they firmly believe that new executive authorities in the RS will be formed soon. Cvijanovic stressed that she believes that Viskovic will manage to form the new Cabinet, i.e. the new RS Government very soon. She underlined: “Thus, we will continue to function together without any delays”. The reporter noted that now Viskovic will launch consultation with parties and social partners in order to form new executive authorities as soon as possible, so that the new RS Government can adopt the RS Budget 2019 and the RS Economic Policy no later than by the end of the year.

 

Izetbegovic: SDA offered broad coalition at all levels but it is unlikely to happen at cantonal level (Hayat)

 

Delegations of SDA and SDP B&H led by Bakir Izetbegovic and Nermin Niksic respectively, held a meeting in Sarajevo on Tuesday. In an interview for Hayat, Izetbegovic explained that one of important results of the meeting is an agreement to put an end to some sort of a post-election campaign and a negative attitude towards SDA, by which this party is unnecessarily being portrayed as “satanic”. He added that communication between SDA and SDP B&H will be improved in the upcoming period. Izetbegovic noted that SDA offered a response to not so positive announcements in the Balkans and B&H, explaining that a pro-Bosnian component in new authorities is necessary in order to stop the negative trends and lead the country in the right direction. “It cannot be only a group gathered around SDP B&H, which they are forming at cantonal levels, nor can SDA do that on its own. We need a very broad front, a program coalition that would primarily include SDA, SDP B&H and DF and maybe a few smaller parties, which would be formed at the state, entity and cantonal levels,” Izetbegovic explained. However, he noted that SDP B&H has already initiated its own story in the cantons without SDA, which he thinks cannot be stopped at this moment. It is yet to be seen what will happen with these coalitions of five, six or even seven partners at the cantonal level, he added. “I think they will hardly survive but let the people keep going in this direction. We are not glad that they are going in this direction because SDA will probably have to do the same at the cantonal level. The entity and state levels are what is left. I think it will be necessary to form such a broad and strong coalition at these levels” Izetbegovic assessed. He reminded that B&H society is composed of four elements – Serbs, Croats and Bosniaks who cherish traditional values, while the left-wing, civic and multiethnic parties represent the fourth component that is especially evident in the Federation of B&H. It would not be smart to leave out any of these components, especially not the winning structure of SDA, Izetbegovic warned. He assessed that new authorities at the cantonal level will probably be formed soon, but it will probably take some time at the level of the Federation of B&H because SDP B&H insists on formation of the B&H Council of Ministers along with formation of the entity governments. “There are not many things that we agreed tonight but I think we started to communicate, and there will be coordination when it comes to the decision of the B&H Central Election Commission, for example,” Izetbegovic concluded and expressed his hope that coordination between the two parties will turn into a coalition.

 

Plenkovic comments on EU FAC session; Dodik: Croatia abandoned Dayton principle and pushed Croats into current position (HRT)

 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic commented on the session of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) where the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) after the elections was discussed. He stressed that Croatia will not abandon the issue of the Croat people in B&H in any multilateral forum. Plenkovic stated that they stressed this before and he was very resolute in the EU Council. He said that the same message was sent by Croatian Foreign Minister Marija Pejcinovic-Buric. Plenkovic said that B&H has no greater ally, advocate, friend and country that understands the situation better in the EU than Croatia. Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejcinovic-Buric said that the EU FAC has members who are closer to B&H or have more experience with B&H and they understand the situation better. She said that they concluded that it was necessary to stabilize the political situation in B&H after the elections and then begin the EU path, which was surely the interest of everyone in B&H. Chairman of B&H Presidency Milorad Dodik commented on the discussion of the EU FAC about B&H by saying: ˝Croatia abandoned the Dayton principle of the constituent status and basically pushed Croats into this unenviable position. I will return to the original determinants of the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and this means that B&H is consisted of two entities and three constituent peoples˝. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Federica Mogherini stressed the EU foreign ministers had three messages for B&H. She said that the authorities should be formed as soon as possible, B&H should focus entirely on the Reform Agenda and the reform of the Election Law. Slovakian Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajcak stressed that the conclusion of Monday’s debate was that the EU has to enter the political processes in B&H more active. He added that the debate was very sympathetic towards B&H and they discussed how they could help the country and not how they could punish it.

 

Montenegro is extremely important strategic partner in security of EU (RTCG)

 

On the sidelines of the conference "European Values, Rule of Law and Security" which took place in Vienna on November 19, Interior Minister of Montenegro Mevludin Nuhodzic met with his Austrian counterpart Herbert Kickl. Minister Kickl praised the results Montenegro has achieved in the negotiation process with the European Union, especially regarding chapters 23 and 24. "Montenegro is EU's extremely important strategic partner in the field of security. Montenegro's place, as well as of the region as a whole, is in the EU," stressed Minister Kickl. He added that Austria will continue to strongly support Montenegro's EU bid by providing concrete assistance to capacity building and harmonization with European standards in the fields of justice, freedom and security. Minister Nuhodzic thanked the government of Austria for the continued efforts to keep the European perspective of the Western Balkans high on the agenda of the EU, and in particular for supporting Montenegro. It was noted that there is room for further improvement of bilateral police cooperation in combating organized crime and terrorism.

"The situation on the continent is unique in recent history when it comes to security challenges: we all face the same or almost the same threats. Only their intensity varies Therefore, we need to use this fact in a way to cooperate even more intensively and, without exception, to implement what we have agreed as quickly as possible, with the highest quality and commitment. Only then can we be effective. There must be nothing of greater priority than what directly affects the security of our countries and our citizens," said Minister Nuhodzic, but also noted that global security challenges countries worldwide face every day request world's unity in tackling them.

"We need to act together in order to stop trafficking in human beings, drugs or weapons, or potential terrorists. The answer to these challenges can only be in the cooperation between the states. Challenges are such that if only one link fails - it then becomes the problem of not only one country, but much broader. First of all, Montenegro is a responsible state, consistent in meeting all undertaken obligations. By doing that not only do we protect ourselves but others as well," the Interior Minister of Montenegro concluded.

 

Gruevski confirms he’s granted asylum in Hungary (Meta)

 

Former prime minister and leader of the VMRO-DPMNE party, Nikola Gruevski, who was sentenced to two years in prison in the SPO’s “Tank” case, has confirmed on his Facebook profile that he has been granted asylum in Hungary. “Today, the Republic of Hungary, an EU and NATO member country, responded positively to my previously submitted request for political asylum due to political persecution in the Republic of Macedonia. In my request for political asylum, I stated that I am claiming asylum because of political persecution by the new government led by the SDSM party. I stated that the government wants to deprive me of my freedom by using undemocratic steps and methods and abusing the judicial system as well as the prosecution system in Macedonia,” Gruevski writes on his Facebook profile. He says that in his application for asylum he explained how it all began. “With the beginning of the publication of the illegally acquired audio materials, the appointment of a special public prosecutor who became a party tool of the SDSM party, just like the court, I described all the injustices, irregularities, illegal working, discrimination, constructed trials and judgments, the specific court proceedings against me and the torture myself and many of my associates have suffered after the formation of the new government. I gave concrete examples and concrete evidence, ending with numerous threats to my life in the last few days before leaving the Republic of Macedonia. I have pointed out and provided concrete examples that in the Republic of Macedonia there are no conditions for a fair and legal trial, nor can the government protect my life from numerous threats in an atmosphere of political smear by the government”, Gruevski says, adding that there is a partisan judiciary in Macedonia. “In Macedonia I faced judges who, for each request in my defense, are awaiting instructions on how to rule from the government or the special public prosecutor, who the judges are themselves afraid of, and whom they see as a representative of the current government. The court and the prosecutor’s office has been turned into an instrument of political blackmail and compromise with political opponents, as well as covering the governments failures. The recent ‘revenge’ detentions of Mile Janakieski and Kiril Bozinovski, who were obviously detained for the government to reduce criticism after my departure from the country and political asylum for political persecution, with false, fabricated and non-existent evidence only confirm the atmosphere in the Republic of Macedonia today” says Gruevski.

He adds that “in Macedonia he lives in conditions of government repression, discrimination, persecution, political arrests and full government control over the judicial and prosecution system, as well as removal and detention or imprisonment according to political circumstances and needs.” “I have not escaped justice, but by using other internationally legally regulated methods, I continue to seek justice for myself and all other victims of political persecution in Macedonia. I, until the last moment, although I watched how unjustly they accused me and tried me, although it was visible that the judges knew the verdict before the trial started and before they looked at the evidence, faced justice like no-one on a daily basis, until the moment the current government has not decided unfairly and with a political decision to put me in prison and then assassinate me. I publicly stated that I am prepared to go to prison, only if (PM Zoran) Zaev abandons the devastating policies for Macedonia and the mistreatment of other people. However, he obviously wants everything. He wants to realize the sale of national interests, and to realize the plundering of the state, and to judge and condemn hundreds of my associates and to shut me up and assassinate me. I decided to fight and confront this coward who lazily deceives and steals from his people daily and abuses his state function that he came to dishonestly. Macedonia should become a member of NATO and the EU, but must not be allowed under the veil of this goal, the current undemocratic power fight with political opponents and to manufacture court cases and prison sentences in order to be carry on with crime unhindered, corruption and the sale of state and national interests,” says Gruevski.

 

MFA hand Hungary protest note over Gruevski’s escape (Meta)

 

The foreign ministry sent a “protest note” to Hungary after convicted former prime minister Nikola Gruevski fled to Budapest and claimed asylum. Hungarian ambassador Laszlo Duks was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet with State Secretary Viktor Dimovski.

“The purpose of the meeting was to hand over a protest note from Macedonia to the Hungarian side, on the occasion of the latest information related to Nikola Gruevski’s escape and his asylum claim in Hungary,” the Foreign Ministry said. They informed that at the meeting, Hungarian ambassador Duks was told that Hungary should act in the spirit of good bilateral relations, European values ​​and principles related to the rule of law. “In that context, immediately and without delay, we hope that Hungary will reject the claim for asylum status for convicted and fugitive from justice Nikola Gruevski and will hand him over to the Republic of Macedonia for the purpose of executing the pronounced prison sentence, as well as the continuation and termination of other court proceedings against him” State Secretary Dimovski told Ambassador Duks.

 

Ministry of Justice sends request for Gruevski’s extradition (Nezavisen vesnik)

 

Macedonia's Ministry of Justice has sent the request for the extradition of former prime minister Nikola Gruevski to the Ministry of Justice of Hungary Tuesday afternoon. “The extradition request is in reference to a verdict rendered by a court involving a two-year prison sentence and to four criminal proceedings under way in domestic courts. We also point out that he is the subject of four investigations and one preliminary investigation, which can be already put on trial by the relevant bodies depending on the investigation,” reads the Ministry’s press release.

In the request, the Ministry of Justice elaborates that not a single criminal offence for which Nikola Gruevski has been convicted or for which he is tried is not a political or military criminal offence, meaning these offences are not envisaged in the European Convention on Extradition as legal grounds on which extradition can be rejected. The Ministry of Justice says that the rights of Nikola Gruevski have been secured, including the right to defense in courts in line with the European Convention on Human Rights. Nikola Gruevski was not put in detention for neither of the charges against him while standing trials. He had several defense teams, picked by his own choice, with whom he had many means to communicate and he had all the rights foreseen according to the Law on Criminal Procedure. The trial in which the verdict was reached and all other proceedings in which Gruevski is the accused have been monitored by the OSCE. Hungary is also one of its members. The OSCE Mission to Skopje on 28 August 2018 released the first preliminary report on the activities and cases of the Special Public Prosecution (SPO). No remarks for the observed cases, in terms of the rights of the defendants, have been raised and there is no suspicion that the criminal proceedings are politically motivated. This report is available for the public on OSCE’s website, says the Ministry. Furthermore, it states, the Republic of Macedonia is a safe country, and is not caught in a conflict, either international or internal, that might put the lives of individuals in danger. Nikola Gruevski, as former prime minister, is entitled to a personal security detail of six Interior Ministry members in accordance with domestic legislation. “We would also like to note that Gruevski has never reported that his life and personal integrity are under threat,” it adds. The request also points out the annulment of the pardons granted by the President of Macedonia as well as the fact that they were rescinded, including the fact that Nikola Gruevski himself asked for a withdrawal of his pardon in a letter sent to the Office of the President. “The Republic of Macedonia calls for the individual Gruevski to be extradited. Bearing in mind the gravity of the offenses, we demand that he should be apprehended and put in detention since an international warrant for his arrest has been already issued,” reads the statement of the Ministry of Justice.

 

Transparency International and its sister branches have called for Hungary to deliver back Gruevski (Meta)

 

Transparency International through its branches in Macedonia and Hungary has called upon the Hungarian authorities to extradite Gruevski from Hungary where he is requesting an asylum in an effort to avoid the imprisonment after he was convicted for corruption.

“This situation is a big test for the Macedonian and Hungarian authorities and it should be solved in accordance with the Hungarian law. We call upon the Hungarian authorities to adhere to the principles of lack of impunity as is stated in the European Convention on Extradition -says Slagjana Taseva, the President of Transparency International” Macedonia. In the request, both branches state the whole case of “Tank” including the verdict against Gruevski was enforceable and also stress the doubts of Gruevski misusing budget funds. “The cases against Gruevski are led by the Special Public Prosecution, that was formed in 2015 after the leak of the information that more than 20000 persons were illegally wiretapped, including journalists and activists. According to finalized investigations and charges on part of the SPO, while Gruevski was a prime minister, along with his associates they have diverted hundreds of millions of euros from Republic of Macedonia’s budget” said the organizations.

 

Gruevski didn’t receive any life threats nor was politically persecuted, says the government (Meta)

 

Nikola Gruevski was convicted in a public and transparent process, and at the same time there are several procedures against him, said the government as a reaction to the Facebook status published by the former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski who revealed that he was granted an asylum in Hungary. “The convicted Nikola Gruevski was under a police protection in accordance with the rights that were granted as a former prime minister and he has never reported a threat against his life. Gruevski was never politically persecuted and no life threats were evidence nor there was a government institution which has threatened his life. Because of this, we state that the only goal for Gruevski is avoiding justice” said the government’s press release. The government’s press service also said that apart from a protest notice that was lodged for the role of the embassies of Hungary in his escape from the country it has also lodged a request for extradition accompanied by the complete documentation about the processes and the verdict.

The government of the Republic of Macedonia expects that the authorities in Budapest will unconditionally accept the extradition request and in accordance with the international law as a member of the EU and NATO it will allow Gruevski’s return in Macedonia in order to serve his sentence and to be held responsible for the remaining acts that he is accused of. The Republic of Macedonia is a law-abiding country where laws are obeyed. Everyone who was proven to have broken the laws and for everyone for whom there is a verdict will be held responsible for his own acts” states the press release.