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Slagjan Penev, director of the Skopje-based Forum-Center for Strategic Research told Balkan insight that although ethnic tension could not be defused by a single act, “Every move like this one (a pensions law for NLA veterans) that tends towards the relaxation of ethnic tension would be welcome”.

Penev said it was time for Macedonians to change their general perception of former NLA fighters, and such a law would help bring about a more balanced view. “These people should no longer be perceived as terrorists but as insurgents who fought for goals that today the state praises, such as EU and NATO membership,” he said.

The term “terrorists” was widely used by Macedonian security forces during its six-month conflict with the NLA.

“After 2001, Macedonia changed its constitution to grant greater rights to the Albanian community, in a way legitimizing the NLA demands. From that perspective, a law granting compensation to former NLA fighters is justified,” Penev added.

“…Regarding the Sopot case and the court cases against former NLA members returned from The Hague, Penev argues that politicians should stay out and let the judiciary decide.”

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