[ALBSA-Info] NAAC Denounces Killings of Two Macedonian Police Officers

[National Albanian American Council]

National Albanian American Council

2021 L Street, N.W., Suite 402, Washington, DC  20036

481 8th Avenue, Suite 922, New York, NY 10001

Brigada e Krajishtes, No. 8, 38000 Prishtina, Kosova

Telephone: (202) 466-6900   Fax: (202) 466-5593

Web: www.naac.org   Email: naac at naac.org

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For Immediate Release: August 28, 2002      Contact: Valbona Sherifi (202) 466-6900
PRESS RELEASE
NAAC Denounces Killings of Two Macedonian Police Officers
Washington, DC, August 28, 2002: The National Albanian American Council (NAAC) issued the following statement regarding the killings of two Macedonian Police Officers.

The National Albanian American Council condemns the killings of two Macedonian Police officers committed by unknown assailants in a drive by shooting in Gostivar on  August 26th.  This act serves only those that would seek to heighten tensions and destabilize Macedonia as she approaches her most relevant elections to date. 

NAAC calls on all sides to refrain from politicizing these senseless killings.  The investigation and prosecution of this crime should be left to the justice system not to politicians.  The Albanian parties were right to condemn them and distance themselves from these acts.  We urge Macedonian officials to tone down their rhetoric, as inflammatory language in sensitive environments only serves the interests of extremism.

Just over a year has passed since the leaders of the NLA and the Macedonian government led by President Trajkovski courageously reached the Ohrid Agreement that was brokered by U.S. Ambassador James Pardew.  While much of the agreement has been passed into law, the bulk of it still awaits implementation.  Though legitimate grievances of Albanians in Macedonia still remain, Albanians and Macedonians alike have a real opportunity to take a tangible and meaningful step forward by conducting a peaceful and transparent election process where legitimate leaders emerge and democratic processes are utilized to resolve grievances and other issues.  The Ohrid agreement should be used as a measure of internal democratic development by all of the people of Macedonia.

The actions of those people that would seek to prevent peaceful political expression must be curtailed.  The Macedonian government must ensure that all political parties have access to all areas of Macedonia without fear of intimidation or harassment.  Only through a fair and thorough democratic process can Macedonia step forward into the realm of democratic societies.  NAAC calls on all of the people of Macedonia to express themselves with their vote on September 15.

The National Albanian American Council ("NAAC") is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Albanians and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and conducting educational and developmental programs. For more information on the National Albanian American Council please visit us on the web at www.naac.org

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