First Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi denied media reports that a TV journalist close to his DUI party was rewarded with the post of consul general to New York. Besmira Ejupi is seen as completely unqualified for the job, and is not a career diplomat which is a requirement. She was reportedly named to this position at a closed Government session.

I ran that session of the Government. The report is not correct, Grubi said.

The Foreign Ministry added that the decisions are classified, but that Macedonia currently has a consul there who is at the middle of his term and there are no plans to replace him.