Xhaferi steps down as leader of Macedonia’s Democratic Party of Albanians

Citing health reasons, Arben Xhaferi announced on Monday (June 25th) that he is stepping down as leader of the small ruling coalition party, the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA). The party plans to hold a congress at the end of the week to elect new chairman. Xhaferi backs DPA deputy leader Menduh Thaci for the post.In other news Monday, Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska left for a two-day visit to Slovakia. Counterpart Dusan Caplovic offered Slovak assistance in EU accession negotiations and using EU funds.