Dialogue froze between Skopje and Sofia

The Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia, Dimitar Kovacevski, says that in the dialogue with Sofia, the positions set for the Macedonian secession and the special cultural-linguistic identity remain unchanged. Historical issues should be resolved from a professional historical point of view, thinks RMV Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski.

Kiril Petkov and Dimitar Kovacevski

“We leave the historical issues to be resolved by professional historical experts, but at the same time I assure you that the positions set for the Macedonian secession and the special cultural-linguistic identity remain unchanged, clear and strong, both so far and in it. the future. I and all citizens have no dilemma on those issues. “Citizens should be calm that we do not deviate from the red lines for the protection of our identity, but we work diligently to be part of the European family as soon as possible,” said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski.

Opposition skeptical about reaching agreement with Bulgaria

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristian Mickoski says he is not optimistic about resolving disputes with Bulgariaalways while the Bulgarian side insists that we were Bulgarians until 1945, respectively that we have a common history from the Middle Ages to 1945.

“I want to be optimistic, but unfortunately so far this has not happened even though they convinced me earlier that they have solved all the problems with the neighbors. “We see that problems with neighbors have not been resolved,” said Mickoski.

He wants an agreement with the Bulgarian side, an agreement which, according to him, would not be unilateral or would violate the dignity of the Macedonian side. Mickoski also accused the Macedonian government of keeping talks with the Bulgarian side secret, casting doubt on the waiver of issues related to Macedonian national interests.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski called the opposition leader’s assessments “false patriotism” and rejected claims that “the government is giving up the red lines approved by the Assembly.”

“It is unacceptable for any political party to display low and free political marketing for personal interests as well as false patriotism. “There is no movement from our positions regarding the red lines,” said Macedonian Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski.

Gir: Brussels welcomes the intensification of the Skopje-Sofia dialogue

EU Ambassador to RMV David Gir says they are encouraged by the efforts of Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria to overcome the differences between the two neighboring countries that will enable the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union.

“We have always invited RMV and Bulgaria to talk to overcome the differences and to be able to open accession negotiations as soon as possible. But until that happens, I think it is very important that all actors focus on the reform process, the implementation of reforms that will provide the country in the European Union. “Concrete steps are needed to advance the reforms, and the sooner the reforms are implemented, the shorter the positive development will be,” said EU Ambassador Gir.

Kiril Petkov and Dimitar Kovacevski

Skopje and Sofia formed working groups on January 25th to discuss economic co-operation on outstanding historical issues. These groups aim to have results within six months, which would lead to an agreement on the substance of the dispute over the Macedonian language and identity, which is not recognized by Sofia. Due to disagreements over the Macedonian language and identity, Bulgaria in November 2020 blocked the start of Macedonia’s membership talks in the European Union./ DW

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