Kosovo's President during Visit to Slovenia Causes International Scandal at North Macedonia Airport

Kosovo has accused security officials at the airport in the capital of neighbouring North Macedonia, Skopje, of violating international rules after an incident in which President Vjosa Osmani refused to hand over her mobile phone during a security check.

This was reported by RFE/RL.

The incident took place on 1 August, when Osmani and her entourage were travelling to Slovenia.

Osmani's political adviser, Bekim Kupina, said that the behaviour of the Macedonian airport staff contradicted all international norms, according to which heads of state are protected by diplomatic privileges and immunities when travelling. 

"In violation of these rules, the Macedonian side took the president's personal bag," Kupina said.

"Although this was against the rules, the President's team allowed it to happen so that the President could enter the airport, in particular, the VIP lounge, which was reserved by an oral note from our embassy, as is the practice for heads of state. However, for security reasons, the president did not allow us to take her phone, as this would have been a serious violation," Kupina added.

He said that an airport security officer "tried to physically push the president, which forced the Kosovo police (who were guarding the president) to intervene to clear the way" for Osmani.

The incident was resolved when the Speaker of the Parliament of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, personally arrived at the airport and helped Osmani and her entourage continue their trip.

Macedonian authorities have denied allegations of deliberate disruption but said they have launched an investigation.

The airport security service said that on 1 August, its officers were conducting a standard security check at the airport.

Kosovo and North Macedonia have diplomatic relations, and there have been no similar incidents so far. 

Last month, Osmani visited Skopje, where she met with the newly elected President of North Macedonia, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

At the end of July, the President of Israel was detained on a plane in Paris for 40 minutes due to a security threat.

The other day, people were evacuated from Bratislava airport due to a bomb threat.