Skopje, 6 August 2024 (MIA) - After failing to cover it up, the Ministry of Interior confirmed the scandal involving a gunman that SDSM and the media uncovered. After staying silent all day on the day of the event, the Ministry of Interior was forced to confirm the incident, which indicates their intention to cover it up, SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska said at a press conference on Tuesday.

According to her, VMRO-DPMNE demanded responsibility from the perpetrator, but not the instigator.

"Toshkovski protects his coalition partner Afrim Gashi at the expense of impunity, arbitrariness and disrespect for Macedonian laws. Mickoski's coalition partner Afrim Gashi will have to answer for the full clean-up of the scandal. According to the ministry's report, 'the reported S.S. was sent to the Skopje International Airport by the Parliament Speaker' and that 'the sanctions against the security staff member and other Interior Ministry employees, Gashi's security personnel are due to the execution of an illegal order," Kuzeska said.

This is confirmation of Gashi's involvement, even by the Ministry of Interior.

"Why has nothing been done yet? Will Mickoski publicly demand responsibility from Gashi? Will the ministry take action? Or did they decide to let the security staff member go unpunished, at the expense of the instigator," Kuzeska added.

She demanded Mickoski immediately dismiss Gashi as Parliament Speaker, which SDSM is willing to support.

"We call on the prosecution to initiate proceedings, and for Mickoski to come out publicly and demand political accountability from Gashi. This case cannot be considered closed until all those involved are held accountable. The institutions must initiate proceedings immediately. And for Mickoski, instead of offering to escort VIPs to the Skopje airport, to instead to ensure respect for the law that he is constantly talking about. Make Gashi take responsibility for the case," Kuzeska stressed.

Regarding Mickoski's statement that he had information about a party's attempts to destabilize the country, Kuzeska said that "a PM who says he has information about the disruption a country's security and peace, but takes no actions against it, makes him a direct accomplice in the ultimate scenario."

"If he is saying this to scare the citizens but manipulate their feelings in an attempt to change the topic from the scandals that plague his government, then he is an enemy to the people. Any statement on the destabilization impedes on the citizens, the economy, creates fear and tension in society. If Mickoski is doing this without a basis and without taking concrete steps, he is the one who destabilizes," Kuzeska said.

She demanded Mickoski take a precise stance, for President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova to convene the Security Council, if it is constituted at all, and for the Prosecutor's Office to launch an investigation and call Mickoski in for questioning. ssh/ba/

Photo: SDSM