North Macedonia’s Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Fatmir Limani, was denied a U.S. visa, preventing him from attending a United Nations event on gender equality in New York, local media reported.
Limani, a member of the “Vlen” coalition, was scheduled to speak at the March 11 event titled “Empowering Change: Unlocking Transformative Gender Impact in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe,” organized by Moldova. His attendance, however, was subject to final confirmation.
The “European Front” coalition, led by Limani’s former party DUI, shared news of the visa denial on Facebook, questioning Limani with posts such as: “Did you get a U.S. visa, Fatmir? Is Ali Ahmeti to blame for your scandals?”
Limani responded on his personal Facebook page, blaming DUI leader and relative Ali Ahmeti for the visa rejection.
“The reason for this ‘obstacle to free movement’ stems from the fact that I sacrificed everything to bring Ali Ahmeti (along with his children and friends) back to his homeland using means not permitted under international law. Let this serve as a reminder to future generations to be cautious about whom they trust and what they sacrifice for, so they do not condemn themselves to eternal servitude,” Limani wrote. He challenged Ahmeti to a televised debate for further explanation.
The opposition Alliance for Albanians party, led by Zijadin Sela, called the visa denial a “shocking development and a national scandal,” urging Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to dismiss Limani if he did not resign.
“Instead of offering clear explanations and taking responsibility, Minister Limani delayed his reaction, admitting on social media that his political past had restricted his movement. This is pure manipulation! The only crucial fact is that a government minister has been barred from entering the U.S. — a strategic ally and key partner of North Macedonia. This cannot go without consequences! We demand Limani’s immediate resignation or dismissal,” the party stated.
The opposition SDSM party echoed the calls for action, saying the visa denial raised “serious questions about the credibility of government representatives and Prime Minister Mickoski’s leadership.” They urged the government to disclose the reasons behind the U.S. decision.
Local media outlet “360 Degrees” reported attempts to contact Limani and the government for comment on the visa denial. As of publication, no responses were received.
The U.N. event was co-organized by North Macedonia, Albania, Denmark, Ukraine, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and U.N. Women (ECARO).