“France’s proposal is not the best, but we are in the Balkans and we need to seize the opportunity and I think that this issue between North Macedonia and Bulgaria should be resolved and for the future of the two countries,” emphasized the former prime minister of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, referring to France’s proposal to lift Sofia’s veto on the start of EU accession negotiations with the neighboring country.
“At the moment we have consultations in North Macedonia, trying to find a proposal to accept the French proposal,” noted Mr. Zaev, speaking at the Economist conference, noting that the government will have the final say.
“North Macedonia and the EU are taking a historic step forward. The latest proposal by the French Presidency was positive for North Macedonia to start the accession process. North Macedonia has taken many difficult decisions in recent years. Historically we are entitled to ask and get the negotiations we need with the EU”, he underlined.
He called North Macedonia’s “strategic goal” the immediate start of negotiations for its accession to the European Union, and addressing the country’s government, he said: “I advise the government to take decisions, as we did with Alexis Tsipras, by signing the Prespa Agreement, which brought stability, a good message to the European Union that here in the Balkans, in the European way, we can find solutions to difficult issues through diplomacy and we can set a good example for the European Union”.
Mr. Zaev emphasized that the accession of North Macedonia to the EU will bring more benefit to the European Union and Southeast Europe and will contribute to solving problems that have been stagnating for years.
“I would like to congratulate Ukraine and Moldova and wish them not to have to wait 17 years like us. Why are we waiting 17 years to start the first talks and to create a framework for negotiations with the European Union”, he said and added: “I believe that what we experienced will help other countries to learn from our mistakes. After 17 years I believe it is time to move forward. There is no other alternative for North Macedonia and for the other countries of the Western Balkans but to become members of the European Union”.
Regarding the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, Mr. Zaev noted: North Macedonia is one of the first times to comply with the security policy of the European Union. He condemned Russia’s military attack against Ukraine. It was a moral choice and decision of North Macedonia, as an independent NATO member state and as a candidate country for the European Union. It is our moral obligation and because we really respect and share European values.”
“We had forgotten many things after the Second World War and now stability, security and all the positives of NATO and the European Union are coming back to the fore. The reaction of NATO and the European Union to Russia’s aggression was a catalyst “, Mr. Zaev pointed out.
SOURCE: AMPE
Source: Capital
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