A diplomatic scandal occurred at Skopje Airport when Kosova’s President, Vjosa Osmani, was subjected to an attempt by authorities to seize her cell phone and was subsequently held on the plane for about one hour.

The Presidency of Kosova reports that the situation worsened when airport security tried to forcibly take Osmani’s handbag and personal phone. Security personnel reportedly attempted to physically push the President, leading to an intervention by Kosova police to ensure her safe passage.

“The attempt to physically push the President required intervention by the Kosova Police to clear the way. This conduct by the Macedonian airport official contradicts international practices, which afford heads of state diplomatic privileges and immunities. The Macedonian authorities’ actions, including taking the President’s personal handbag, were in violation of these regulations,” stated Kosova Presidency.

Despite these breaches, the President’s team allowed her to enter the airport, specifically the VIP lounge, which had been reserved with a verbal note from the Kosova Embassy, as is customary for state leaders.

The Presidency emphasized that, for security reasons, “ personal phone was never to be surrendered. The arrogant and violent behavior of the Skopje Airport official is unprecedented and has never occurred in any of the President’s travels globally, including in non-recognized states. It is evident that there was an intent to provoke the Kosovo delegation and create an incident”.

President Osmani reported the diplomatic scandal to North-Macedonian Assembly Speaker Afrim Gashi and thanked him for his assistance. She was held on the plane for around one hour.

“It is important to note that after the President boarded the plane, Skopje Airport delayed the commercial flight’s departure for over an hour, claiming that the Slovenian authorities were not permitting it to leave due to readiness issues.

The President’s office contacted Slovenian authorities, who confirmed that this claim was untrue and that the plane could have departed as scheduled. The Presidency views any attack and improper treatment of high-level officials as an assault on the state of Kosova. The Republic of Kosova has never treated heads of state or high officials from North Macedonia or any other country in such a manner, nor will it tolerate such behavior in the future,” concluded the statement from the Presidency of Kosova.

/a.p./