The First Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Bekim Sali, did not take part in the bilateral meeting held in New York between Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
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The Mickoski–Vucic meeting was made public by the prime minister of North Macedonia himself through social media. In the photographs published by him, Bekim Sali does not appear, although he is in New York as part of the government delegation.
Sali’s stance comes at a politically sensitive time, when international attention is focused on developments in the Western Balkans, Kosovo, and Serbia’s relations with countries in the region.
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Aleksandar Vucic reiterated Serbia’s positions on Kosovo. He spoke about Serbia’s territorial integrity and referred to UN Security Council Resolution 1244. Also during this week, the Serbian president made other statements about Kosovo and political developments in the region.
The first deputy prime minister’s absence is also linked to his recent statements about the decision of the Special Court in The Hague against former KLA leaders.
After the September 16 verdict, Bekim Sali publicly expressed support for the former KLA leaders. He considered the decision unjust and said he expects the appeals process to lead to a full review of the case.
On September 16, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague found Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi guilty on some war crimes charges. This is a first-instance verdict that can be appealed.
In this context, Bekim Sali’s non-participation in the Mickoski–Vucic meeting in New York is interpreted as a distinct political stance, especially because of his public positions regarding Kosovo and the former KLA leaders.
During his stay in New York, Sali has followed a packed international schedule, taking part in meetings and activities organized as part of the high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly.
