Macedonian President: Austrian creative diplomacy and support key to EU integration

Austria is ready to talk about finding a creative solution with Bulgaria, and estimates that implementing enlargement policy is currently the most important for the European Union, says Northern Macedonia President Gordana Silanovska-David, in an interview for the Macedonian Radio Free Europe Service.

According to her, Austria's European and International Affairs Minister Beate Meinl-Reissinger wants talks on resolving this dispute to be held in Vienna.

Radio Free Europe: Mrs. President, the president's gears are mainly in the field of foreign policy, defence and security. Currently, two issues are the most important: blocking European integration and the strategic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom, amounting to the value of 6 billion euros in investment loans. Are we closer or further from starting negotiations on EU membership than a year ago, given that the Bulgarian Government has remembered that the inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in the Constitution is not Sofia's only condition for this process?

Siljanovska Davkova: I can't give you an exact answer with a sentence. Why? Because if I say we're closer or further away, that wouldn't be right. Nearness or distance are relative. Even if we start negotiations, that does not necessarily mean progress. New demands can be presented, or as we have seen so far, processes that make the agreement for classrooms and chapters impossible. What do I think of this period? I've noticed changes. Logically, as president, this is my role. Our president has made the EU rethink the integration process, because it is clear that this precedent will produce others.

The constitution can be changed, but I cannot promise it will happen soon. I am the proposer, but MPs vote according to their belief they represent citizens, not me.

The most common question to me is: “Will there be constitutional changes”?

My answer is, I can't guarantee you. I'm not the absolute monarch. The demands for constitutional changes from abroad are contrary to the basic principles of the EU ʹ are contrary to the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter for Basic Rights. They stress respect for the constitutional structures and national and cultural identity of the countries.

Radio Free Europe: You've mentioned creative diplomacy as a way to get through this mess. From your cabinet's communiqué after meeting with Austrian Minister Beate Meinl-Reissinger was understood to want these talks to take place in Vienna. Is there any development in this direction?

Siljanovska Davkova: The creative diplomacy is necessary. We are aware that the negotiating framework has been approved and it is difficult to change, however, Serbia's case showed that there may be exceptions. If we have problems in the negotiation process, then the EU has to engage creatively to unlock it.

The European Parliament can approve an act for our relations with Bulgaria. The council can give instructions, there may be an action plan for the Macedonian-Bulgarian joint historic Commission. It must be clear that the two protocols that we signed do not mention constitutional changes they were imposed later. We can sign another protocol, but it should not be used as a basis for veto, but for discussion, as did the Germans and the French, or the Polish and the Germans. The approach should be interpreted and constructive.

Radio Free Europe: Is there any concrete initiative for meeting?

Siljanovska Davkova: The Austrian minister assured us Austria is always behind the region. They believe EU enlargement is a priority. They also understood Ukraine and Moldova's aspirations, but have stressed that the Western Balkans deserve better. They have expressed readiness to help find a creative solution with Bulgaria.

I cannot say for sure if she has already contacted Sofia, but has been on the same line as the president of the European Council. He praised our proposal for the solution postponed as constructive, but stressed the lack of understanding from the neighbourhood. However, he expressed willingness to cooperate.

Radio Free Europe: Details of the strategic partnership agreement with Great Britain are unclear. What is your political assessment?

Siljanovska Davkova: The competencies for international agreements are shared. The president has a priority, but the Constitution stipulates that if the competency is by law to the government, then that is what it does. This is the case with economic, educational and social issues. The agreement for strategic partnerships involving infrastructure, hospitals, dormitories is in the area of government competence. I support any solutions that produce development and well - being. Even EU member states, our traditional partners, face major economic challenges.

Radio Free Europe: Is this an alternative to the status quo with the EU?

Siljanovska Davkova: No. I'm not fatalistic and I don't use the expression “often we have an alternative”. But Macedonia is part of Europe geographically, historically, culturally and politically. British officials also understand that dialogue with us develops in the context of European integration. No alternative. However, everyone in the world is looking for resources for development, and we are part of this effort. The biggest British investment in the Western Balkans is in us.

Radio Free Europe: How do you assess the work of government during the past year? Do you have regular consultations with Prime Minister Mickoski?

Siljanovska Davkova: The government gets legitimacy from the Parliament. The responsibility to assess it rests with the Assembly. I can talk about foreign policy and security. We consult, I ask for information, and everyone stays within their powers. I don't interfere with the government's internal affairs and I don't allow interference in my field.

Radio Free Europe: How many laws have you vetoed so far?

Siljanovska Davkova: So far only one law I have returned which is unprecedented for a year. But I've had some remarks about other solutions. I take the laws first and see if they have problems. In some cases it's been exiled, in some cases I've been clarified. If a solution is not in harmony with the principles I represent, I will use my veto.

Radio Free Europe: How are your relationship with DUI? This party has accused you of bypassing mechanisms for protection from ethnic majorisation.

Siljanovska Davkova: I've had good relations with many DUI deputies, some of them are my friends. It's not true that I ignored ethnic representation. It's a constitutional category. My messages are always in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

The Constitutional Court is what must decide on these issues. We will be praised by the EU not only for harmonising with the acquis but also for practical implementation of laws. The Venice Commission and GRECO will take care of this. In selecting commission members for forgiveness, decorations, youth I have always paid attention to fair representation and, above all, professionalism.

Radio Free Europe: Have you managed to be president of all citizens, as you said at the beginning of the term?

Siljanovska Davkova: This is the most important role of all, despite the focus on foreign policy. Legislation has given me citizens through direct voting. My engagement is daily, through meetings with all categories of citizens, especially with more sensitive groups. According to polls, I enjoy the widespread trust of citizens of different ethnic, gender, and social affiliations. I put forth effort, but my appreciation is not enough. This may be verified with reliable methods. / REL/Periscopi/