Osmani: Adopting constitutional changes, condition for EU integration

Northern Macedonia Foreign Affairs Minister Bujar Osmani called on political parties to adopt constitutional changes, which are condition for integration into the European Union as soon as possible.

Northern Macedonia, on 19 July, has formally started talks with the European Union, but key negotiating chapters will not begin without the change of the Macedonian Constitution for the inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in it.

This is envisioned with the agreement with Bulgaria, based on the French proposal for resolving disputes between the two countries regarding historical issues, language and Macedonian identity.

The theme of constitutional changes must be opened soon in the Assembly. Political parties must reach a consensus on European issues and reach an agreement that whoever is in power, there will be no differences on this matter”, the top diplomat Osmani said on December 4th.

It is a mistake to think that we are negotiating with the European Union. Orders and directives are fixed. You must accept them as they are to become a member of the EU. Whether it is LSDM [the ruling Social Democrat League], DUI [Democratic Union for Integration] or V MRO DPMNE [the largest Macedonian opposition party], no one can change anything in negotiations with the European Union. The only thing that can change is the dynamic of surrender and accession”, Osmani added, suggesting that without constitutional changes, it cannot be talked about the integration of northern Macedonia into the EU.

He said this topic should eventually be closed because, according to him, citizens regardless of whose political background they belong to, want EU membership.

If there are no differences, then why not put this topic aside in the interest of citizens who want the EU on both sides of the political scene. We have enough topics to discuss”, Osmani said.

Despite the chief of diplomacy's call, Bujar Osmani, the opposition VMRO has said it will not support constitutional changes, as it claims the agreement with Bulgaria is harmful to Macedonian national and state interests.

VMRO wants assurances from the EU that Sofia will not seek further concessions during the negotiations process.

Constitutional amendments cannot be adopted without VMRO DPMNE votes, as the parliamentary majority does not have 80 votes -- or two-thirds -- in the Northern Macedonia Assembly, which numbers 120 seats of MPs. / REL