Skopje, 18 January 2022 (MIA) – Nothing bad will happen to the country if we include the Bulgarian minority as a constitutional category, DUI leader Ali Ahmeti told a press conference after meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov in the Parliament on Tuesday. Ahmeti said during the meeting he was interested to learn about obstacles to a positive epilogue in the dispute, i.e. a solution to start EU accession negotiations, adding that he heard from the delegation of the neighboring country that it was important to them to include the Bulgarian minority living in the Republic of North Macedonia in the country’s Constitution. “I spoke very openly about this with Petkov. We are fully committed to respecting and not denying the right of anyone to declare, without pressure, as they feel, and that be reflected in the Constitution. I believe nothing bad will happen to the country if we include the Bulgarian minority as a constitutional category. It is important to open EU accession negotiations because that is how we build a secure future. “The Framework Agreement includes all minorities living in the country, and certainly by accepting and making significant amendments we will only strengthyen our country and the European standards and diversity. We’ll also have representation of the Croats and Montenegrins, who have also raised the issue of being represented in the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia. For this to happen, it takes courage and good will from everyone – the Parliament, NGO sector and the media,” Ahmeti said, pointing out that it is a strategy important for start of EU accession negotiations. The public is aware, he added, that the differences between Skopje and Sofia have so far proved to be an obstacle. “However, today I saw great will with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria for this issue to see an epilogue and find a mutually acceptable solution for both sides as soon as possible. So we open accession negotiations in July this year,” the DUI leader said. He stressed that the Macedonians should have no dilemma because, he underlined, he is their fellow citizen and is interested in them not feeling bad. He added that as DUI representative it was his obligation that his fellow citizens feel the support from his party’s policy. He said that during the meeting with Petkov he has pointed out that the two countries need to relax relations and openly discuss topics that require a solution, without being preoccupied with emotions, but being rational. The two agreed on starting the construction of Corridor 8 as soon as possible, both road and rail infrastructure, because it connects cities from Burgas through Skopje to Tirana, and brings them closer, to boost communication and cooperation in several areas including economy, investments and culture. In response to a reporter’s question on whether the two have also discussed about the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria, Ahmeti said he didn’t discuss reciprocity, adding that “we are in a situation where we need to manage carefully because it is a strategic interest of our country to have security and functional stability.” “Those are issues that belong to the Constitution of Bulgaria, and I don’t have enough knowledge to open such topics,” said DUI leader Ahmeti.