Skopje, 6 February 2024 (MIA) - A delegation led by Justice Minister Krenar Lloga is to visit Ankara on February 8 for meetings with Turkish officials, discussing among other the procedure for extradition of Ljupcho Palevski, the prime suspect in the murder of Vanja Gjorchevska and Panche Zhezhovski. In an interview with MIA, caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi said he didn’t want to prejudge whether the talks could speed up Palevski’s extradition, pointing out that direct communication was necessary to see what needs to be done further. 

“Now, I don't want to prejudge what will be the content of the talks there. But in any case, direct and in-person communication is necessary, in order to discuss the procedures, what could be done further. That is why we have such in-person communication that has been established as part of international cooperation with the institutions we cooperate with and have appropriate bilateral communications agreements,” Xhaferi told MIA.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed for MIA that Lloga will be paying an official visit to Turkey on February 8 together with representatives of the judiciary. He will meet with the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Turkey, and the agenda also includes meetings with the Parliament Speaker, the presidents of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, as well as with representatives of the Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors.   

The Justice Ministry said no official information can be shared as to when Palevski would be extradited, and how long he can stay in Turkey is a question for the Turkish authorities according to their laws. After his handover, Palevski will be taken to a penitentiary in accordance with a court decision and proceedings will continue before the country’s judicial authorities.  

Photo: MIA/Facebook