Macedonia Parties Clinch Deal on Special Prosecutor

After marathon talks, Macedonia's political parties have agreed on the appointment of a special prosecutor who will be tasked with investigating the illegal surveillance claims that have rocked the government.

"A deal was reached. We have a prosecutor," Antonio Milososki, from the negotiating team of the ruling VMRO DPMNE party, tweeted on Tuesday morning.

The decision follows EU-facilitated talks between the government and the opposition that lasted until 5am.

Katica Janeva, the prosecutor from the southern border town of Gevgelija, will be the new special prosecutor. Parliament will vote shortly to verify the appointment of the special prosecutor and her powers.

The parties have agreed that the special prosecutor will decide the number and personalities of his or her deputies and staff.

BIRN has found out that according to under the new law, Janeva will have the right to choose her deputies and the right to an unlimited number of associates. Her term in office will last four years but she will have the right to be re-elected for another term.

To guarantee her independence, Janeva will also not be subject to the regular prosecution hierarchy, or to any political office. She will also have an unlimited budget that she will have to justify.

The head of the opposition Social Democrats, Zoran Zaev, told BIRN that he was pleased with the outcome.

"The new law gives the special prosecutor complete autonomy, according to our expectations. The prosecutor is experienced and has a background that gives us hope to believe that she will lead the investigation independently and professionally," Zaev said.

A well informed source described Janeva as an experienced professional who underwent training...