Skopje, 14 December 2024 (MIA) - We have serious indications of the misuse of public budget funds by former ambassador Ljubomir Frchkoski. The evidence points to damage to a six-figure sum in euros. While I cannot state the exact amount at this time, I am sharing the information I am permitted to disclose at this stage, as the procedure is still ongoing. An internal procedure has been carried out in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the information I have received is truly concerning. We will take all necessary measures, and we will be required to inform the relevant judicial authorities, but what actions they take is beyond our jurisdiction and falls under their authority, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timcho Mucunski, said on Saturday.

In response to reporters' questions following the press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mucunski pointed out that such situations must not be repeated and assured that the Law on Foreign Affairs would be fully respected.

“It should be clear to everyone that I am concerned by what I have seen, and I am being very diplomatic when I say that. Such situations must not be repeated, especially when the indications suggest that the damage is in the amount of six figures in euros. I can't say exactly how much it is at the moment, but I am providing certain information that I am allowed to share at this stage, as the procedure is ongoing. The term 'lawsuit' was also mentioned, and the other party will have the right to present their arguments and evidence. What I saw points to certain notorious conditions, notorious facts, but everyone has the right to present their arguments,” Mucunski said at the press conference.

As for the announcement by any individual that they will file a lawsuit against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or anyone else, that is, as Mucunski pointed out, their right.

"I can't dispute anything here, but I am confident that since I took over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we always ensure that laws and procedures are fully respected. Unfortunately, I must note that this was not the case under my predecessor. The most obvious example is the recent recall of the General Consul in New Jersey, where the person was appointed to that position contrary to the provisions of the law. We cannot allow such practices; we must set the standard for respecting the law,” he added.

He noted that some diplomats are regularly recalled because their mandate has expired, but there are also other cases, such as those involving Frchkoski, Andrej Zhernovski, and Vesel Memedi.

“There are different situations, one being with the former ambassador Frchkoski, whom I called for consultations, but he did not come and resigned. He is no longer an ambassador to the UN by his own choice. We have a specific situation with ambassadors Zhernovski and Memedi, as I would name them, which is still in procedure, in communication between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government, and the President. There are also situations of regular recalls of ambassadors due to the expiration of their mandate,” Mucunski said.

He announced that all key ambassadorial positions will be filled in the shortest possible period, and by 2025, the goal is to fill all diplomatic and consular missions.

Photo/video: MIA