Skopje, 22 June 2023 (MIA) - The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) demands state institutions immediately start a comprehensive investigation for all claims and information regarding the Unites State's decision to blacklist Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko due to his involvement in significant corruption, said Foreign Minister and DUI spokesperson Bujar Osmani on Thursday.

Osmani informed that DUI accepted Merko's decision after his Wednesday meeting with DUI Leader, Ali Ahmeti, to freeze his membership at DUI Central Presidency and General Council while the investigation is ongoing, and at the same time the party is suspending all intra-party election activities in Struga until new circumstances arise.

"DUI demands all state institutions, in cooperation with the international community, to begin an investigation into all political parties, from presidents, to the lowest decision-makers, because only then we will be able to fight corruption and abuse of the topic in party fights," said Osmani.

Osmani stressed that DUI encourages the US to continue the fight against corruption because they help the county and society.

"The United States has always been our biggest strategic partner and ally, all of us at DUI not only respect their decisions, but see them as well-intended. Every success North Macedonia makes bears the seal of the United States," added the DUI spokesperson.

Osmani also pointed out DUI's firm views regarding the rule of law and fight against corruption, and the way public and party office holders operate at DUI, and how they translate into the formal decisions the party makes. ssh/ik/