Skopje, 20 March 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Justice Krenar Lloga held a meeting with the Greek Ambassador to North Macedonia, Sophia Philippidou on Monday, at which they spoke about the country’s screening process in Brussels and the European Commission’s support for the achieved progress in the field of judicial reform and the rule of law.

 “Greece has always supported the European ambitions of the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, and is ready to provide expert assistance to facilitate the process,” said Philippidou.

At the meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of Justice, Lloga and Philippidou also spoke about the constitutional amendments, with Minister Lloga stating that the working group for the constitutional amendments will be established in the coming period in coordination with the Prime Minister and the President of the country.

Minister Lloga told Ambassador Philippidou that the Justice Ministry will submit a new extradition request for former intelligence agents Goran Grujovski and Nikola Boshkoski who were charged in 2017 for wiretapping over 20.000 citizens.

 “We can’t have rule of law until these people are held responsible for the crimes they’ve committed. We expect the EU member states to help us implement the laws and restore the trust in the judiciary,” said Minister Lloga.

Minister Lloga and Ambassador Philippidou said they expect the two countries to intensify their efforts to fully implement the Prespa Agreement.

“Cooperation will continue in the coming period through workshops, official visits and expert meetings in order to facilitate the EU negotiations process. The support of the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors in Thessaloniki will be very important for our efforts to harmonize with the EU Acquis,” said the Ministry of Justice in the press release. ad/nn/

Photo: Ministry of Justice