German ambassador caught axing Macedonia's protected fir species
Copyright 2000 Associated Press
December 18, 2000
SKOPJE, Macedonia - A Christmas tree is at the center of a scandal involving the German ambassador to Skopje, who was caught red-handed chopping down a protected species of fir, aided by his wife and driver.
The Dnevnik daily reported Monday that Ambassador Werner Burkat was ''unable to resist the beauty'' of the tree, which he apparently wanted to secure for his embassy two weeks ago.
The act would never have developed into a diplomatic faux pas, except for the vigilance of Llupco Stojanvski, a forest ecologist who was in the Macedonian national park of Pelister, 190 kilometers (120 miles) southwest of capital Skopje, at the same time as the ambassador.
''I saw the ambassador and his entourage cutting down the rare Molika fir tree,'' Stojanovski was quoted as saying. ''They were breaking the law I simply walked up to them and demanded to see their IDs.''
Stojanovski later submitted a citizen's complaint to the ministry in Skopje.
The German ambassador's action could amount to an ''ecological offense'' under Macedonian law. The offense draws a fine equal to one-fifth of the offender's monthly salary.
It was not clear whether the ambassador, who enjoys diplomatic immunity because of his office, would actually be fined.
The German Embassy in Skopje would not comment on the report and told The Associated Press that Ambassador Burkat was on Christmas leave in Germany.