Skopje, 29 November 2024 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi condemned on Friday the “burning and trampling of state flags” and said such actions go against the national interests and the interests of all ethnic communities.

Gashi told journalists that “patriots are those who respect their flag, but also the flag of others” and called for an investigation to look into who is behind the incidents, noting that he doesn’t believe there is a political background.

“If this is just irresponsible behavior by certain citizens, they should be held responsible, and everyone should answer for their actions. It is by no means allowed to trample, insult and harm the flag of others, the symbol of another community, regardless of which community it is,” the Speaker said.

He urged the citizens to respect the symbols of the state and the law, including the use of the Albanian flag as well.

“Anyone who wants to destabilize the country, doesn’t wish their community and then their country well,” Gashi said.

According to the Speaker, it is necessary to promote the country through membership in the European Union, raising the level of mutual tolerance and promoting interethnic relations.  

Asked if the recent narrative by politicians has contributed to such incidents, Gashi said it is up to the institutions to determine the motives.

People waving flags while being driven in cars across Skopje and several other cities in the country in which the majority of citizens are ethnic Albanians celebrated Albanian Flag Day on Thursday. Videos posted on social media show several men desecrating the Macedonian flag and a car running over it. 

Political parties from the country, both ruling and opposition, condemned the incidents.

Photo: MIA