Skopje, 14 November 2023 (MIA) - Bulgaria is in favor of the admission of North Macedonia into the EU, without alternatives. Statesmen think of future generations, while politicians think of the next elections. We believe that reason and political will prevail, and that we will be able to celebrate the beginning of EU accession talks as early as this year. It is important to us that North Macedonia and Albania go down this road together, said the Chairperson of the Bulgarian National Assembly, Rosen Zhelyazkov, in a statement to the media on Tuesday after a meeting with Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi.

He thanked Macedonian MPs for "their clear position regarding North Macedonia's EU membership and the consolidation of a clear majority for the constitutional amendments."

"It is clear that there is a majority, but that is insufficient at the moment, as I previously stated, statesmen care about future generations, while politicians about the next elections. It is important to know that Bulgaria is in favor of North Macedonia’s EU accession. Last year the Bulgarian Parliament adopted a declaration with which it adopted the French proposal. Some called it a historic compromise, but our two countries made the necessary compromise in the name of our people, and in that sense the Bulgarian position is no different from that shared by the majority in the Macedonian Parliament," Zhelyazkov said.

Zhelyazkov informed that he and Xhaferi discussed implementing the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, and expressed hope the next meeting will mark the constitutional amendments and the start of North Macedonia’s EU negotiations.

"We emphasized that we need to build trust to oppose hate speech, one way to do that is by respecting the rights of the Bulgarian community through constitutional amendments. It is important to know that there is no other alternative for North Macedonia, except for the European one. Therefore, I call on the media to forget about certain narratives, because it is very easy to ignite tension in the Balkans, but we owe our people a joint European future and a peaceful existence in a world full of tension. That is why our visit today is a reflection of our best intentions, for our friendship, because our future is also our commitment to future generations," Zhelyazkov stressed.

He thanked Xhaferi, highlighting "his wise and principled attitude” and saying he wishes all politicians in Macedonia follow in his example.

"Elections come and go, but people's interests remain unchanged for raising their children and grandchildren in peace and well-being, which is also our message to Macedonian colleagues. Having a good political ecosystem will increase our well-being, and a guarantee for this is our constant trade exchange that exceeds EUR 1 billion, which will also achieve the desired connection that is part of the improved digital communication in Europe," Zhelyazkov said.ssh/ad/