The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) is calling for Bilall Kasami to be held institutionally accountable, claiming that the Vergina flag was displayed in Tetovo during celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of North Macedonia, while the Albanian national flag was not used.
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According to DUI, the issue goes beyond protocol and demonstrates how the authorities treat the Albanian national symbol. The party recalled that, in its election platform, VLEN had promised that the Albanian national flag, anthem and coat of arms would be used on an equal footing with Macedonian symbols. However, according to DUI, these commitments were forgotten after the coalition entered the government without legitimacy from the Albanian vote.
DUI also cited other cases that it considers evidence of this approach. First, it said, Maksim Dimitrievski banned the use of the Albanian national flag in his office. Ministers then avoided displaying it in official photographs, while during the local election campaign the Albanian flag was absent even in places where it should have been most prominent. According to DUI, the same stance was repeated during a state holiday on which the use of the flag is required by law.
“The greatest paradox is that, while the Albanian national flag was left out, the Vergina flag was displayed in the center of Tetovo. This is not an official state symbol and is contrary to the Prespa Agreement. For those who promised equality between national symbols, there is apparently no place for the Albanian flag, while a non-institutionalized symbol is deemed acceptable at a state ceremony. This says more about their current policies than any statement could,” DUI said.
The party called on the competent authorities to examine the legal basis for the decision and determine the responsibility of those who ordered, authorized or carried out the display of the Vergina flag. It also demanded an explanation for the absence of the Albanian flag.
“The law cannot be applied according to political interests, and promises of equality cannot serve merely to secure Albanian votes. Kasami may make political compromises to extend his time in office by even one more day, but he cannot trade away Albanian national dignity and the Albanian national symbol. The 35th anniversary of independence should be marked as a day of respect for the state, the law and equality, not as a day of humiliation and denial of the Albanian symbol,” DUI said./Telegrafi/
