North Macedonia’s military shake-up sparks outrage

The Democratic Union for Integration has reacted to the recent decisions of the president of North Macedonia regarding changes in the command structures of the army there.

The DUI has considered the transfer of General Besnik Emini from the post of Commander of the Operations Command to an administrative position in the Ministry of Defense "a serious blow to the role of Albanians in the army", CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

"This move weakens the army's command structure and endangers national security," DUI said in a statement.

According to the DUI, these actions marginalize Albanians and directly violate the integrity and security of our defense structures.

"Furthermore, the appointment of Colonel Lulzim Nuredini to the position of Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command appears to be an attempt to mask this injustice. Placing an Albanian officer in a position of limited influence does not compensate for the exclusion of Albanian leaders from critical operational commands," said the Democratic Union for Integration - an opposition party.

According to Ali Ahmeti's party, "the exclusion of Albanian military leaders from key positions undermines the basic principles of the Ohrid peace agreement," it said. KosovaPress.

These principles, as the DUI has said, are essential for a cohesive and effective military force.

"In light of these developments, DUI urgently calls on NATO and our international allies to carefully review these actions, which not only violate the principles of fair representation, but also compromise the operational readiness and security of our armed forces," DUI said.

DUI has demanded the immediate review and cancellation of these decisions to ensure that “our military leadership reflects the multi-ethnic composition of our state and maintains the highest standards of competence and inclusion.”

In one announcement, DUI has said that for the first time since the signing of the Ohrid Agreement, no Albanians hold key positions in the North Macedonian army.

"The removal of the only Albanian general from the Operational Command has left Albanians without representation in the four highest military positions. Furthermore, the appointment of generals Jordev and Mirce Gjorgevski, who have received negative responses from NATO for security certificates, raises serious concerns about the strategic orientation of our country," DUI said.

According to this party, such developments suggest a trend towards "anti-NATO, pro-Serbian and pro-Russian leadership in the army."

"For the first time, the Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the Military Agency do not have any Albanians in leadership positions," the party said.

DUI has said that in this situation, Albanian parties in government should stop "the role of advocate of anti-Albanian and exclusionary policies."

"Albanians will not remain spectators but will react to protect themselves and their interests."