Debate Continues on Constitutional Changes in Macedonia

The session continues today in the Assembly on the government's proposal for constitutional changes and implementation of the Prespa Agreement between Macedonia and Greece.

MPs from the parliamentary majority and opposition yesterday, on the second day of the debate, remained in their positions “pro” and “against” constitutional changes.

For MPs of VMRO-DPMNE, the Prespa deal is politically and legally dead, while during its agreement there has been disrespect for the president and legal provisions from the Constitution and the Elevation of the Parliament, while for the parliamentary majority, there can be no better agreement than that, and if Macedonia is rejected, long-term isolation and the blocking of EU and NATO integration.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev cautioned that the negotiation process with Greece has been conducted more transparently so far, and for every step has the opposition chief, leaders of the largest political parties and the president of the state, until the frameworks with which negotiating strategies have not been violated.

He cited that the government is only authorised proposor of constitutional amendments and is obliged to the Commission if it accepts parliament in the 15 days to compile draft amendments. I'm here as the first man in Government to confirm that together we will sit down to compile the amendments.

Macedonia's diplomatic chief, Nikola Dimitrov, stressed that even the biggest opponents of the Prespa Agreement in both countries earlier or later will see it is the only way forward, Alsat M broadcast.

While US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia Wes Mitchell has sent a letter to VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristian Mickoski, in which he orders that the US is desperate by the positions of leaders of this party, including personally.

“As we have already discussed, the United States strongly believes that the Prespa Agreement between Macedonia and Greece is the historic opportunity for Macedonia to ensure brighter future and contribute towards regional security, stability and prosperity. Even in addition to claims that a better agreement could be reached, we do not believe this is possible. This agreement required compromise on both sides. This is the case that, in all likelihood, it will not be repeated for years, and perhaps even decades”, Mitchell says in a letter published on the US Embassy website in Macedonia.