Skopje, 29 March 2024 (MIA) – Salih Murat and Süleyman Baki from the Movement of the Turks of Macedonia for Justice and Democracy and the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, signed a coalition agreement in Skopje on Friday under which the party is joining the 'European Front' led by Ahmeti. 

Baki pointed out that this cooperation will help for higher development of the communities, as well as of the country in general.

"This front is of vital importance, for all segments of North Macedonia to live together in peace, prosperity and harmony, which is our common benefit, and for our country to achieve membership in the European Union," said Baki. 

Murat emphasized that under the "European Front" the aim is to implement Turkish education in North Macedonia in primary and secondary schools, local and central use of the Turkish language in the country, protection of national identity, preservation of cultural existence and religious belief, unconditional, proportional and fair implementation in the country.

"Our commitment will be to make changes in the electoral model - to switch to the model of one electoral district, to eliminate injustice in the law on local administration, to have the state budget allocated fairly and proportionally, to ensure equal regional development, etc.," Murat said.

Ahmeti pointed out that they will join forces in advocating for equality for all ethnic communities in the country.

"A country with an advanced democracy takes care of small communities first, because it is small communities that build loyalty to the state. If the small communities, which are not few in our country, do not enjoy the rights of equality, treatment in all spheres of life, then of course tolerance is minor or does not exist at all among these communities. A state is strong when all its citizens are loyal, but loyalty also depends on the state's loyalty to smaller communities," he said.

Ahmeti noted that the unification within the front is not temporary, but long-term, in order to realize the things that remain unfinished.

"There are many things to highlight - fair representation, the realization in practice of the Albanian, Turkish and Roma languages. Of course, so many things are yet to be done, but the main goal of this front is to see our country join the European Union sooner," said Ahmeti.

In response to a reporter's question, Ahmeti pointed out that DUI takes the Turks and the Roma into the coalition because it is stronger, not because it is weaker.

Ahmeti announced the names of the list principles in two election districts. Ziadin Sela will head the list in the fifth election district, whereas Suleyman Baki will be the list principle in the third election district. 

Ahmeti announced that a coalition agreement formalizing cooperation with Ziadin Sela's wing of the Alliance for Albanians will be signed in Gostivar at 9 pm on Saturday. 

Menduh Thaçi's DPA, Arijanit Hoxha's European Democratic Party, the Democratic Party of Turks, Skender Rexhepi's People's Movement, Ziadin Sela's wing of AA and the Union of Roma have also joined DUI's 'European Front'. 

Photo: DUI