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It is time for the government of the Republic of North Macedonia to abandon the manipulative thesis that Bulgaria is questioning the right to self-determination and identity of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia or their right to call their language whatever they wish. . This was announced by the press center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the statement of the government of the Republic of North Macedonia.
“The Republic of Bulgaria is the strongest and most disinterested supporter of European integration in the Western Balkans, including the Republic of North Macedonia. With its position expressed on Tuesday in the General Affairs Council, the Republic of Bulgaria again demonstrated for that at this stage it cannot give its consent for the approval of the Framework of Negotiations of the Republic of North Macedonia with the EU and the holding of the first intergovernmental conference until the end of 2020 ”, says the Ministry.
The Bulgarian position is based entirely on the Framework Position adopted on October 9, 2019, endorsed by the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria, which establishes the requirements with which our country undertakes to continue supporting the integration of the Republic of Macedonia North in the EU.
Bulgaria’s proposals for inclusion in the negotiating framework of the Republic of North Macedonia are based on clear precedents, but have unfortunately not been discussed by the current Presidency. They are also in line with the EU Council conclusions of March 25, 2020, which emphasize the importance of achieving tangible results and the good faith implementation of the bilateral agreements of the Republic of North Macedonia with Bulgaria and Greece as party. of the expansion process “., declared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At this stage, the draft of the Negotiation Framework does not contain the guarantees that our country needs to support its approval. Bulgaria will continue its constructive efforts during the next presidency of the Council of the EU.
Unfortunately, in the last year, the Republic of North Macedonia has wagered on a diplomatic and media campaign to discredit the positions of the Republic of Bulgaria, as false information about the Bulgarian position has been repeatedly presented to the public.
With an inherited totalitarian historical narrative, it is difficult to find support in Bulgaria.
It is time for the government of the Republic of North Macedonia to abandon the manipulative thesis that Bulgaria is challenging the right to self-determination and identity of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia or their right to call their language as what they wish, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Bulgaria is the first country in the world to recognize the independence of the Republic of Macedonia, which started the process of international recognition of the then young state, and over the years has helped it in the most difficult moments. This assistance continues today.
However, the Republic of Bulgaria does not accept that the assertion of the identity of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia is carried out in confrontation with neighboring countries and to the detriment of their national interests.
On the basis of its responsibility not to bring open issues within the EU and to protect its interests, values and authority, the Republic of Bulgaria will continue to seek durable solutions that allow further development of bilateral relations and an optimal negotiation process of the Republic of the North. Macedonia with the EU ”, added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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