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Northern Macedonia: US supports the country’s European perspective

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar met with US Secretary of State for Northern Macedonia Bujar Osmani in Skopje today regarding the European perspective of Northern Macedonia.

“The United States expresses its strong support for the rapid European integration of Northern Macedonia and we are working with our European partners to ensure that this goal is achieved as quickly as possible,” said Gabriel Escobar.

“Northern Macedonia is part of Europe, culturally, historically and economically, and you must have a place at the EU table. In this context, we will continue to support your efforts to show flexibility in the European integration process, as well as to continue the reform process. “so that this becomes a reality,” Mr Escobar added.

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Northern Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, thanked Mr. Escobar for his first visit to Skopje.

“The United States remains our strategic partner and credible ally. We are grateful for the clear and resounding support from the United States. In this sense, our strategic interests are 100% in line with those of the United States,” said Bouyar Osmani.

He stressed that the European perspective of the Western Balkans is the safest investment in the region.

“There is no doubt that the European perspective of the Western Balkans is the safest investment in the stability of the region. Now is the right time for the EU to start negotiations with Northern Macedonia. This will be a great confirmation for us to remain committed to democratic reforms and accelerate our European integration, but most importantly, this will be a great encouragement to others, reaffirm the EU ‘s credibility and strengthen the processes for overcoming differences and reconciling the region. “The processes of Euro-Atlantic integration will be accelerated and the geostrategic orientation of our region will be confirmed,” said Bouyar Osmani.

The European course of Northern Macedonia has been blocked due to the objections of Bulgaria.

EU countries had agreed as early as March 2020 that Skopje could start accession negotiations with the Union, but Bulgaria vetoed it, saying it could not currently support such a development due to open national, linguistic and historical differences between Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia.

Sofia wants Skopje to recognize that their nation and language have Bulgarian roots, something that Northern Macedonia categorically rejects, accusing Bulgaria of undermining its European course.

Sofia also accuses Skopje of anti-Bulgarian rhetoric and reluctance to implement a bilateral friendship agreement between the two countries from 2017.

Source: AMPE

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Source From: Capital

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