The Democratic Union for Integration in North Macedonia (BDI) has called for the Ohrid Agreement to remain intact and expressed support for early elections. In an interview with Radio Free Europe, BDI leader Ali Ahmeti warned that any changes to the use of the Albanian language in North Macedonia’s institutions could be dangerous.

Ahmeti mentioned that Prime Minister Mickoski had suggested that removing a few provisions from the Language Use Law wouldn’t cause harm, but he cautioned that these changes were like a ‘powder keg’ that should not be touched. He emphasized that if the Albanian language were removed from use in the judiciary, prosecution, or higher state institutions, it would mean that Albanian would no longer hold official language status, which he deemed highly risky. He also stated that he had shared this concern with the signatories of the Ohrid Agreement, the European Union, and the United States.

Ahmeti urged all Albanians in North Macedonia to speak out in defense of the Albanian language and ethnic representation, asserting that they must raise their voices to protect the Albanian language and ensure that ethnic representation was not compromised. He clarified that this was not a partisan issue, as it belonged to all Albanians in North Macedonia and extended to those in Albania as well. He noted that Albanian institutions were constitutionally bound to address injustices faced by their compatriots in North Macedonia, Serbia, or Montenegro.

In response to the North Macedonian Prime Minister’s comments on early elections, Ahmeti emphasized that the Prime Minister should keep his word, asserting that he should stand by his commitment. He mentioned that BDI and the European Front welcomed the statement and expected that the upcoming local elections, scheduled for October next year, would coincide with the early parliamentary elections.

Closing the interview, Ahmeti highlighted that Europe would become stronger by integrating the Western Balkans. He stated that for the country to progress, this moment must come, and constitutional changes needed to happen, describing this as the call of the region, as well as Europe and Washington. He concluded by expressing the need for a peaceful Western Balkans, free of conflicts and fully in harmony with its neighbors.

/a.p./