discussion of French proposal in Macedonian Assembly continues for Friday

The discussion session is expected to continue during Friday, as a large number of MPs have submitted for speech.

The two countries have long disputed on the issue of language, identity and historical past, which have blocked further integration of northern Macedonia into the European Union.

France has come up with a seven-point proposal, requiring concessions from both sides. Skopje, among other things, must commit to changing the Constitution, with the goal of recognising the Bulgarian minority as an equal nation.

The Macedonian government has supported the proposal, but not even the opposition, which -- now for two weeks ready -- organises protests. In front of the Parliament building, protesters have also gathered Thursday with banners and banners on their hands.

The deputies of Northern Macedonia addressed the president of the European Commission (KE) with a speech, Ursula von der Leyeen.

She said before MPs that “is the time for making wise decisions to lead the country towards European integration”, while assured MPs that with the modified French proposal, the Macedonian language is not at risk, which was met with applause by MPs from the parliamentary majority and whistles from opposition MPs.

I've heard very carefully about your concern for language and identity. No doubt, Macedonian is your language. I repeat, there is no doubt, the Macedonian language is your language and we fully respect it. The modified proposal holds the Macedonian language without qualifications from the European Union. The protocol also respects your national identity. The principle of self-identification is of particular importance to all of us. You can count on me”.

“As EC chairman, I want to assure you that the membership process will strictly respect European principles and standards”, said EC President Ursula von der Leenen, who in advance met with President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski.

MPs must approve a five-point conclusion that is drafted by the ruling Social Democratic League (LSDM).

“Starting with national strategic interests for EU membership, the Parliament imposes on Government to continue negotiations with the EU with the aim of unlocking the integration process and adopting the framework of negotiations containing European principles”, it is said in proposal-consultations presented by the LSDM Parliamentary Group.

“The government is obliged to, through delegations, keep in talks the determination for unconditional respect of the Macedonian people's language, identity and culture as elements not negotiated with the EU. In the framework of the Macedonian language talks to be without clarifications, without additions and unintacted”, has declared Jovan Mitreski, chairman of the LSDM GP.

Adoption of the proposal in the Assembly would mean holding the first intergovernmental conference between Skopje and Brussels, while chapters of North Macedonia's EU membership negotiations would begin only after constitutional changes for the inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in the Constitution.

The point of the proposal that has prompted the most debate is that of the Macedonian language, which is opposed by Sofia, with the claim that prior to 1945 it had <x0) Bulgarian”, as well as the past of many historical figures whose identity is claimed by both states.

Macedonian opposition, led by parties V MRO DPMNE and Mayta remain in the position that the proposal “establishes” Macedonian identity, language and historical past.

V chairman MRO DPMNE, Hristian Mickoski, after meeting with EC President Von del Leyen, reiterated the position that the proposal is harmful, as in a protocol expected to be signed with Sofia, it will be negotiated with historical and language aspects as well.

These days will sign a document that will be called protocol and will be talked about everything, for the middle century, for the XV century. III, XIX, whose personality was this or that historical. We will talk about how in the 20th century the Macedonian people will be assimilated”, Mickoski said.

According to the V MRO DPMNE's proposal will not be passed at the moment when the adoption of constitutional changes by two-thirds of the vote, which the parliamentary majority does not have.

Albanian political parties, the ruling Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) and the Alliance for Albanians in opposition support the proposal, such as the only and best possible <x1 resolution for unblocking the European integration of Northern Macedonia”.

This is no time to divide ourselves as Albanians, Macedonians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs and so on. It is time for prudently, wisely, with concrete arguments, with a rational debate backed by arguments, to address the opinion that these are the documents and this is the best option that has been offered to us so far, and that North Macedonia has no alternative but to realising this strategic interest”, said Arber Ademi, chairman of the DUI Parliamentary Group.

Northern Macedonia is a candidate country for EU membership now 17 years old. Even though European officials have given the green light for starting membership negotiations, Bulgaria, as an EU country, has vetoed the process.

The debate in the Assembly was coincided with protests before the Parliament, but the Northern Macedonia Ministry of Internal Affairs had taken measures since the morning hours of Thursday, adding forces to rule around the Parliament building and other institutions in Skopje. /re/