Macedonian Albanians demand postponement of demarcation of border between Macedonia and Yugoslavia

The Macedonian Albanians' party Democratic Union for Integration has demanded to postpone the demarcation of the Yugoslav-Macedonian border near Kosovo. A representative of the party in the Macedonian parliament, Argon Budzaku, said this was necessary to prevent a new escalation of interethnic relations in the region. According to him, the works to develop the border's infrastructure should be postponed till Kosovo gains independence.

Former commander of the Albanian People's Liberation Army Ali Akhmeti is the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration. His party mostly consists of members of this army which is officially disbanded.

The agreement to settle border issues between Yugoslavia and Macedonia was signed in February, 2002, by the two countries' presidents and was recognized by the international community, including the UN Security Council. Last Sunday, the foreign ministers of Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Bulgaria mounted a border sign on the turn of the borders of their states which marked the launch of border demarcation works.