Arsovski: Ramadani's escape politically benefits everyone in North Macedonia

An analyst from Skopje, Petar Arsovski, said in a conversation with Kosovo Online that the escape of Blerim Ramadani somewhat benefited everyone in North Macedonia.

"I think this outcome somewhat suited everyone, as the extradition request created antagonism or tension between Macedonia and Serbia. Such requests have been rejected in the past. Also, we must keep in mind that Ramadani is a person with a high level of sensitivity among the Albanian population in Macedonia, and his extradition could have caused political tensions. So, I believe that this outcome was politically advantageous for everyone, even though it complicates matters administratively and institutionally," Arsovski said.

He noted that Ramadani had been a "hot potato" for North Macedonia from the start.

"This was a hot potato for the authorities because Macedonia found itself caught between Kosovo and Serbia, and there wasn't a good solution, except perhaps for this one. 'Sweeping it under the rug' or the escape of the suspect is a way to cover up the case, so it doesn't come under so much pressure in that triangle," Arsovski explained.

However, he emphasized that legally, nothing had actually changed.

"Nothing changes; the request remains valid. I believe Macedonia had already decided not to extradite him, and that is now an independent legal procedure. I don't know if this will strengthen the extradition request, but at the very least, it will change the decision from house arrest to effective detention. I think that's an independent process for securing the accused, or the one in extradition custody, within Macedonia," the analyst explained.

He concluded that the decision on extradition would undoubtedly have political consequences.

"We can already see those political consequences because these are individuals who provoke high sensitivity among Albanians in Macedonia, including some political parties. That's why there is political influence, and that's why in most of these cases, extradition hasn't occurred in the past, as it would draw Macedonia into a dispute and conflict between Belgrade and Pristina, which we essentially do not want to get involved in," Arsovski said.

He also made it clear that official Skopje will not change its foreign policy, at least when it comes to these regional issues.

"Despite the internal consequences, at least on the external front, I think this neutral position will be maintained at the level of Skopje's official policy," Arsovski concluded.