US Ambassador argues sanctions on Macedonian businessman help country’s EU bid

The U.S. ambassador to North Macedonia defended a call by her authorities to impose sanctions on a distinguished native businessman, arguing Thursday that the motion was taken to fight corruption and would finally assist the Balkan nation’s bid to hitch the European Union.

The U.S. Treasury Division sanctioned businessman Jordan Kamchev, 52, on Wednesday, blocking any of his current property in america and prohibiting enterprise ties with Americans.

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“The abuse of workplace, cash laundering, bribery, and other offenses (he) participated in not solely eroded public confidence in North Macedonia’s justice sector, but in addition represented a major betrayal of the folks of this nation,” U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler advised reporters in North Macedonia’s capital, Skopje.

A big Macedonian flag flies in Skopje, North Macedonia, Sept. 28, 2018. (Picture by Chris McGrath/Getty Photos)

For the nation to succeed in its purpose of acquiring EU membership, “corruption can not go unchecked,” Aggeler mentioned.

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Kamchev heads a robust enterprise group with investments in actual property, well being care, building and agriculture, and has been the goal of a number of excessive profile corruption investigations in North Macedonia.

There was no instant response to the U.S. sanctions from authorities officers.

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The European Union has listed overcoming delays in judicial reforms and combating corruption as priorities for progress in North Macedonia’s EU accession bid.