Zaev hopes not in agreement with Bulgaria in June
(5 years ago)Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Zoran Zaev is not optimistic about a possible solution to the dispute with Bulgaria until 22 June, when it is envisioned holding the European Union member states' foreign ministers' summit. The eventual solution to the differences between Skopje and Sofia also means unblocking the integration process or launching [...]
The eventual solution to the differences between Skopje and Sofia also implies unblocking the integration process or launching North Macedonia's membership talks with the European Union.
I have the feeling that differences will not be resolved on June 22nd, because Bulgaria has a technical Government and does not have Parliament. But it is not impossible to resolve. Why am I saying that? The reality is that there are elections in Bulgaria on 11 July. But at the same time, I have a sense of responsibility in front of our people to say it is our duty to do everything. There would be nothing harmful if we managed to conclude an agreement that would be verified by the future political government and the Bulgarian Parliament”, Zaev has declared.
The Macedonian prime minister, several times ago, has said he expects positive things during the month of June, hoping to overcome differences with Bulgaria.
These differences concern language, identity, and historical past.
Bulgaria has said it does not contest Macedonian identity, but requires Skopje to admit that prior to the World War II period, Macedonians and their language have had <x0 Bulgarian”.
Portugal, as a state currently leading with the EU, has given the two countries a platform for resolving differences, but no details have been provided.
Bulgarian media have reported that the document envisions Skopje accepting the modification of identity and language after 1945, while Sofia is required not to insist on Bulgarian background of Macedonian language and identity.
Meanwhile, the Macedonian opposition has protested in Skopje and in ten other cities against talks with Bulgaria, against, respectively, “Prime Minister Zoran Zaev”'s current betrayal.
Zaev has said earlier that his government has neither negotiated nor will negotiate identity-related issues.
Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria, in August 2017, have signed a good neighbourly agreement, but it has not only not been implemented, but it has deepened even more differences between the two countries. / REL