Fatos Klosi: How Gruevski Could Happen Even Some Politicians in Kosovo, Albania

Release of the warrant for the former prime minister of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski appears to serve as an example for Albanian politicians as well. Former head of the State Intelligence Service Fatos Klosi declared yesterday during a proposal given to the newspaper “TODAY” This case is a signal that none of the politicians, however powerful, are immune.

This example must serve for all. Of course, by being closer, we can more easily perceive this as the case. Gruevski has been an important man. He did what he wanted in Macedonian politics for 10 years and seemed to be inconsistent. But it is time for him to prepare himself for some time in prison. It is certainly an example that shows that everyone must be careful, there is no in this unprecedented world, including Albanian politicians. Today, they are invulnerable, while other situations happen tomorrow that no one predicts”, Fatos Klosi said.

He stressed that the example “Gruevski” should serve as a lesson for all Albanian politicians, in order to be more careful if they do not want the same end as the former Macedonian prime minister.

“In small countries like us, Macedonia, Kosovo, international partners are very important and partners are unpredictable in the sense that today they are allies with you, while tomorrow they look at their interests and it may come to work against you. This case should serve as a lesson for all. I wouldn't congratulate anyone, but all those who have important decisions should see this case once again because if they've once been careful, now there should be 2 or 3 times of caution”, the former S.H. head said.

Fatos Klosi commented yesterday also on Nikola Gruevski's call for political asylum in Hungary at a time when his warrant has been issued for him. According to Klosi, this is a wrong tactic, while underlining that if the same situation occurs in Albanian politics, our politicians will find it impossible to take refuge in European Union countries. He added that internationals, particularly the EU, are those who support reform in justice and the anticorruption fight, so the arrests of politicians will also be under their supervision, leaving no room for escape.

I find the demand for political asylum absurd because Gruevski's situation is not something that has been decided by some judges. It's a very big thing that with his fall, that with the leak of the wire, there seemed to be something small. Hence, the demand for political asylum is simply a temporary hope of escaping arrest, but it certainly will not be easy. If the same happens in Albania, I believe they have no political asylum. Virtually all over Europe, except for east and Russia, the rest is part of the EU. The EU has been an initiator of reforms here at us and one of the factors that has called for radical change in justice, open fighting corruption, so I find it difficult to do so. I hope no one will think of anything like that, better be careful than hoping in a political asylum”, Fatos Klosi said.

A few days ago, the Court of Appeals in Skopje left the two-year sentence of Nikola Gruevski, which was convicted of abuse of office because he bought a “Benz” vehicle worth 580 thousand euros with state money. As two days ago, Macedonia's Interior Ministry issued an arrest warrant.