North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, condemned nationalist and xenophobic chants against Albanians during a basketball match in Kumanovo. Mickoski, who was present at the match between North Macedonia and Romania, said he did not notice the chants, as – as he claimed – it was a small group of people.
"I want to use this opportunity to join in condemning nationalism and xenophobia – firstly for what happened during the basketball match between [North] Macedonia and Romania, and then to send a message to all fan groups: to support in a sporting manner, to support their team and the Macedonian national team," he said.
Mickoski added that calls against Albanians “will be subject to investigation and sanctions, regardless of where they come from.” The Macedonian prosecutor’s office has already launched an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Kosovo's president, Vjosa Osmani, has demanded that the neighboring state take immediate measures against the organizers of anti-Albanian calls, writes A2 CNN.
"The anti-Albanian chants heard during the match in Kumanovo are unacceptable and violate the spirit of coexistence and mutual respect, which should be the foundation of any democratic society with European aspirations. Even more worrying is the fact that the highest state officials in Skopje have not reacted to this hateful and exclusionary language, leaving room for rhetoric that undermines the interethnic tolerance and harmony that the country aims to build on its path towards the European family," said Osmani.
According to Albanian politicians in North Macedonia, during the first match of the second phase of the pre-qualifications for the 2027 World Cup, to be held in Qatar, chants such as: "A good Albanian is a dead Albanian", "Gas chamber for Albanians", "Clean Macedonia" were heard.
In addition to Mickoski, Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Stoilković and Minister of Internal Affairs Pančo Toškovski were also present at the match.
The event has caused strong reactions from representatives of Albanian parties in North Macedonia, as well as from politicians in Kosovo and Albania. (A2 Televizion)
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