Professional soldiers announce protest in Skopje on November 7
Independent union accuses Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski of broken promises and manipulation; rally set in front of the Government at 11:00.
The Independent Union of Professional Soldiers has sharply criticized Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski, accusing him of unkept promises, manipulation and delaying a solution for the legal status of professional soldiers after they reach the age of 45.
Union sets date for a public rally
The union announced a protest in front of the Government building on November 7, with a start time of 11:00, saying the demonstration is prompted by years of dissatisfaction with conditions inside the Army.
In its reaction, signed by union president Aleksandar Naskovski, the organisation says the minister's most recent statement — in which he announced a resolution of soldiers' status and salary increases effective January 1 — is only the latest promise that, the union claims, has remained unfulfilled for months.
"Today's statement, allegedly spontaneous, by Defence Minister Vlado Misajlovski is a classic lie and a manipulation of the public, of the professional soldiers and of the members of the Army," the union's release reads.
The union did not publish additional demands in the notice, but reiterated that the scheduled November 7 protest will begin at 11:00 in front of the Government. The announcement was issued under the name of Aleksandar Naskovski.
Photo: press material from the event
