Skopje, 21 December 2023 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski told a TV Kanal 5 interview on Thursday evening that he doesn’t expect the Turkish authorities to prolong the procedure for the extradition of Ljupcho Palevski, the prime suspect in the double murder of 14-year-old Vanja Gjorchevska from Skopje and 74-year-old Panche Zhezhovski from Veles.

The President did not reveal whether he contacted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the procedure, but said the Justice Ministry has received positive signals from Turkey.

“The Ministry of Justice has received positive signals from their colleagues that they will act swiftly within the norms. Generally, we have excellent political relations with Turkey. I see no reason for them to prolong [the procedure]. Of course, as long as the prerequisites are fulfilled in line with the Turkish legislation. I can’t speculate when he would arrive. However, we won’t wait for years, as per some announcements, which suspected some ulterior motives. But, I can’t see any ulterior motives,” said Pendaorvski.

The President’s Office said that on December 12 Pendarovski sent a letter to the Office of his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, regarding the extradition of the prime suspect in the double murder. The Office did not reveal additional information about the letter.

Ljupcho Palevski was arrested in the Turkish city of Balıkesir on December 6. After his arrest, Justice Minister Krenar Lloga submitted an extradition request to the Turkish authorities. In Turkey, Palevski has been given a 40-day extradition detention.

Photo: MIA Archive