DUI ultimatum to VLEN: Either Stoilković and his associates leave, or you leave the government

The European Union has condemned the glorification of war criminal Ratko Mladić, while VLEN has not dared even to mention the name of Ivan Stoilković, who holds such views. In a statement, DUI described this silence as a serious issue for the public.

According to DUI, VLEN has not been content merely to remain silent about Stoilković’s statements and the appointment of members of his party to important state positions, but has also supported them through its votes in Parliament.

DUI recalls that, during this period, circumstances have emerged indicating the expansion of the influence of structures and interests linked to the so-called “Serbian world” project in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Ivan Stoilković has publicly referred to the Republic of Kosovo as “Kosovo and Metohija,” while, according to DUI, VLEN has not reacted in any way.

“The institutions of the European Union have also condemned the glorification of Ratko Mladić, underscoring that honoring individuals convicted of war crimes directly contradicts European values. Nevertheless, this does not appear to concern Ivan Stoilković, his party or the people belonging to this political structure, who continue to glorify and relativize the greatest criminals of the last century in Europe after the Second World War. Faced with this situation, VLEN does not dare even to mention the name of Ivan Stoilković. Their silence raises a serious question for the public, especially since Stoilković himself has stated that VLEN representatives should be careful because, according to him, he has ‘saved them from public disgrace’ two or three times. The question is unavoidable: what connects VLEN with Ivan Stoilković, and why do they not have the courage to condemn him?”

“Since the formation of this government, Stoilković and his political structures have been favored with important state positions. The post of deputy prime minister for implementing the Ohrid Framework Agreement, a document of vital importance for Albanians and other communities, was given to a political structure linked to this orientation. Meanwhile, Dalibor, an official close to Stoilković, was appointed director of the Agency for Community Rights. A series of developments and projects then began that raise major concerns about the penetration of the so-called ‘Serbian world’ project into the Republic of North Macedonia. VLEN, not just once but on several occasions, has not only remained silent but has also defended Stoilković: through its vote in Parliament, by blocking the adoption of initiatives seeking his accountability and dismissal; through its silence regarding the attacks, insults and offenses he directed at Albanian MPs; and through propaganda, by relativizing, disguising and justifying his decisions and actions, even fiercely attacking Albanians who oppose Stoilković.”

“During this time, other actions were also enabled that demonstrate the growing presence of structures and interests linked to the ‘Serbian world’ project in the country. Activities and marches by Serbian military structures were held, along with parades and visits by Serbian ministers to North Macedonia, accompanied by provocative statements that these lands are Serbia, while senior political figures, including Milorad Dodik, also visited the country. In the energy sector, the director of MEPSO, an official affiliated with VLEN, signed an agreement for the electricity transmission-line project with Albania with companies close to Milorad Dodik. This has raised concerns about the extension of this influence into a strategic sector such as energy. Alta Bank has entered the banking sector, MTL is seen as a foothold in telecommunications, while in the media sphere, a Serbian television station has been established in the Republic of North Macedonia.”

“Most recently, Nedim Rama, who is close to Izet Mexhiti and a senior official at NOMAGAS, signed an agreement with the Serbian side on the gasification project between North Macedonia and Serbia. It is no coincidence that, for two consecutive years, the European Parliament has expressed concern that figures within this government are promoting and helping expand the influence of the ‘Serbian world’ in the Republic of North Macedonia.”

“Ivan Stoilković has publicly referred to the Republic of Kosovo as ‘Kosovo and Metohija,’ while VLEN has not uttered a word. Therefore, the question for VLEN is direct: when will you demand the removal from the government of Ivan Stoilković and his officials, who glorify Ratko Mladić and other war criminals? If you possess even one element of Albanian national responsibility and commitment to European values, then in this government either those who glorify war criminals must leave, or you must leave. But you are showing no courage to do either. The longer you continue to remain silent, the clearer it becomes that your silence is not neutrality, but political protection and shared responsibility. Go home as soon as possible, because with this silence and political submission you have brought shame upon Albanian political representation.”