Two countries must lift the ban on Lavrov flying to Skopje: Government authorizes Osmani to decide

The government of North Macedonia today authorized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to decide whether to lift the flight ban on Russian planes in order to allow the Russian delegation to land in Skopje to attend the upcoming OSCE Ministerial Council meeting on November 30 and December 1.

According to the information published by Radio Free Europe in Macedonian, referring to reliable sources in the Skopje Foreign Ministry, there is no final confirmation yet whether the head of diplomacy Sergei Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation. According to the OSCE, the Russian delegation consists of around 80 members, including the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Mariya Zakharova.

Minister Bujar Osmani previously said that Lavrov had sent him a letter in early November in which, according to the head of diplomacy, he “showed interest and request to ensure his presence in Skopje”. A few days ago, Osmani said that the Russian delegation’s visa applications were being processed and as soon as information was available, the statement would be made public.

However, in addition to North Macedonia, the Russian delegation must also obtain permission from Bulgaria or Greece to use their airspace for the flight to Skopje.

“The decision on EU sanctions does not apply to events of a multilateral nature such as the OSCE, so it is a government decision that must be approved, but it has a legal basis in the EU.” Now we and at least one of our neighboring countries have to make such a decision. Bulgaria or Greece to allow the flight to Skopje,” said Osmani on November 15.

Given the ongoing obstacles and blockades imposed by Russia since the beginning of the occupation of Ukraine, the OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje is likely to be the decisive event that will determine the future functioning of the organization.

One of the biggest challenges is to find the country that will take over the presidency of North Macedonia next year. Estonia is the only candidate, but Russia has vetoed it several times so far. Most recently, the Russian delegation expressed its opposition at an ambassadorial meeting a few days ago.

So far, several countries have been publicly named as possible future frontrunners. Minister Osmani has repeatedly emphasized that intensive efforts are being made to find a state that none of the 57 OSCE member states will oppose. According to diplomatic sources, the latest efforts are aimed at Malta taking over the presidency in 2024. However, a decision has already been made for 2025, when the organization will be led by Finland.

Among the scenarios in play is a mandate for North Macedonia. However, Osmani has indicated that this is the last option, while diplomatic circles in the OSCE point out that they want to stick to the principle of a rotating presidency every year.

/The Geopost