Skopje, 13 July 2022 (MIA) — Free Zones Authority director Jovan Despotovski said the latest political developments in the country, including the protests against the French proposal to unblock North Macedonia’s start of EU negotiations, have not had any impact on foreign companies’ investment decisions so far. Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Despotovski said he had been in contact with foreign businesspeople who were curious about the situation, but no contracts were in any danger of being terminated. His personal view on the French proposal is that "after 17 years, we can afford to take one step," he said. “No one is forcing us to continue the process,” Despotovski said. “If we disagree with anything at any given moment, we can always withdraw [from the EU negotiations].” He said people had the right to protest and express dissatisfaction. “It is one of the democratic benefits that this government fought to strengthen when it was in opposition, so I have absolutely no doubt that it is positive,” Despotovski said. “As a Macedonian, I too am bothered by, let's say, the irresponsible behavior of some of the political elites and structures in Bulgaria, so I understand people’s dissatisfaction.” “However, I am also bothered by the irresponsible behavior of VMRO-DPMNE and Levica, who are trying to use the people’s genuine dissatisfaction with our eastern neighbor’s irresponsible politics to score cheap political points. This is irresponsible and it bothers me,” Despotovski said in response to a reporter’s question. He highlighted that the country’s NATO membership was a message to foreign investors that its security and stability were guaranteed. Despotovski also said an American-Taiwanese business delegation would be visiting the country next week regarding “an investment of a quarter of a billion euros” and he hoped political developments would not threaten the deal “because of irresponsible political parties.” mr/