The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Mitkoski’s words that he would not include the Bulgarians in the Macedonian constitution –

Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the parliament in Skopje that he sees no reason for the inclusion of Bulgarians in the Constitution of North Macedonia, which is the main requirement for his country to start real negotiations for EU membership.

Mitkoski asked, quoted by BGNES, why Albania does not have the same requirement, given that 8,000 people in the country have declared their Bulgarian self-awareness, and “about 700-800 Bulgarians who declare that their mother tongue is Bulgarian” live in the RSM.

So far, Mickoski has insisted that the constitutional changes be delayed after North Macedonia’s entry into the EU.

This is not accepted by Brussels despite the campaign of the Macedonian rulers.
Mickoski has been speculating for months that he might negotiate new terms and refuses to fulfill his country’s demands set out in the negotiating framework.

Because of the refusal of Mickoski’s party to support the constitutional changes, North Macedonia was separated from Albania on the way to the EU.

On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed its deep disappointment with Mickoski’s words and condemned them. These statements not only distort reality, but also undermine efforts to build good neighborly relations and European integration, the department’s position, distributed to the media, reads.

We would like to emphasize that the issue of the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia is not a bilateral dispute between our two countries, but is an issue that affects basic European values ​​and standards, says the Foreign Ministry.

Progress in the process of European integration of the RSM is possible only through full and comprehensive implementation of the European consensus agreed and adopted by the Council of the European Union (EU) in 2022, an important part of which are the amendments to the country’s Constitution. Respect for the rights of minorities and guaranteeing their equality are fundamental principles of the European Union. In this context, North Macedonia, as a candidate country for EU membership, bears the responsibility to bring its legislation and practice into line with these principles, added the MFA.

The agency draws attention to the fact that a huge number of citizens of North Macedonia have acquired Bulgarian citizenship, recognizing their Bulgarian origin and identity.

“We call on the authorities in the RSM to refrain from rhetoric that instills division and hatred, and instead to focus on fulfilling the criteria for EU membership, including the protection of the rights of all ethnic communities in the country. Only through sincere dialogue and mutual respect can we achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our peoples within a united Europe,” the foreign ministry also stated.