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US: Resolved Extortion Case Key to N. Macedonian EU Accession Talks

Jane Bojadzievski

   This story originated in [1]VOA's Serbian Service. Some information is
   from Reuters.

   WASHINGTON -- U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer
   says an unresolved extortion investigation in North Macedonia could
   undermine prospects for the small Balkan nation's long-awaited European
   Union accession talks.

   North Macedonia's former chief Special Prosecutor, Katica Janeva,
   unexpectedly tendered her resignation last month amid allegations that
   she masterminded a scheme to extort millions from an indicted
   businessman in exchange for a reduced sentence.

   Janeva's Special Prosecution Office (SPO), an organized-crime-busting
   outfit also tasked with addressing high-level corruption, has long been
   emblematic of the former Yugoslav republic's transatlantic aspirations.
   By spearheading investigations of the now-ousted authoritarian regime
   of former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Janeva's office was largely
   mandated to restore rule of law.

   "These are serious charges and all such serious charges require a
   serious response," Palmer told VOA's Serbian Service. "We support a
   complete, thorough, transparent investigation of these charges and, if
   the evidence is there, then appropriate prosecution. This is really an
   opportunity for the authorities in North Macedonia to demonstrate
   fealty to adherence to the rule of law."

References

   1. https://www.glasamerike.net/

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