DUI: Government with experts not recognising Kosovo's independence has blocked agreements

The Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) has reacted to today's meeting of the Government of Northern Macedonia and the Government of Kosovo, saying this meeting cannot serve as a facade to cover the current government's failures and its orientation against the interests of equality and multiethnicity in the country.

The DUI underlines the importance of close co-operation between the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Northern Macedonia, recalling that it was the DUI that undertook and conducted the most important intergovernmental meetings between the two countries.

The DUI also recalls that the most important strategic co-operation projects between the two countries -- the completion of the first two kilometers from the Skopje highway -- Blace, the opening of the Baypoint Bellanoc Stanciq, the establishment of the International-Stop-Sup border crossing, infrastructure connection through the Tetovo-Prizren road project, development of the Sun-Brezovic tourist project, have been initiated, adopted and implemented by the DUI.

According to DUI, these projects have strengthened interstate relations and contributed to the region's economic development.

“However, today's joint gathering of governments cannot serve as a facade to cover the current government's failures and its orientation against the interests of equality and multiethnicity in the country. A government that is dismantling the historic achievements of the Ohrid Agreement cannot be legitimised through symbolic gestures. This government without ethnic legitimacy has Ivan Stoilkovijqi, a politician known for proputinian attitudes as deputy prime minister responsible for implementing the Ohrid Agreement, and a person who does not recognise Kosovo's independence, as well as glorifies Radojic's terrorists in Banjska. Albanians face the return of discriminatory practices, such as denial of ethnic identity and the threat to the Albanian language. Funds for Corridor 8, vital for Albanians and the region, as well as continuation of the Skopje highway Blace, have been significantly cut, seriously damaging the interests of Albanians. DUI underlines that these policies constitute a setback and a risk to the stability and historic achievements of Albanians in Northern Macedonia. Albanians deserve more than symbolic gestures; they deserve concrete actions that protect their rights, dignity and interests. DUI will continue to be the strong voice condemning injustice and engaged in defending the Ohrid Agreement, ensuring equality and rights of Albanians, and promoting national strategic interests. We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that Albanians have a fair, equal and worthy future in northern Macedonia”, said in response.