Skopje, 17 May 2024 (MIA) - The Prespa Agreement is binding by international law. It is binding for North Macedonia as well. I think it is very important that the new government's positioning as credible international partner requires elimination of doubts over observance of binding agreements, says German Ambassador Petra Drexler in an interview with 360 Degrees.

The German Ambassador says the two countries have a strong partnership at all levels, are NATO allies, and Berlin wants to see close cooperation with the next government, but adds it will be important that the new authorities continue with the clear strategic foreign policy direction, implementing the required steps on the EU path.

On VMRO-DPMNE's announcements it would not accept the constitutional amendments under the current conditions and whether the EU is responsible for the atmosphere in the society due to the failure to deliver on its promises, the Ambassador says Germany is aware of the enormous efforts that North Macedonia has undertaken in the EU accession process.

"And yes, I can understand that the experiences from this process have a consequential effect in society. I think it will be a problem when skepticism turns into resignation. Sometimes I have the impression that the trust in the efficiency of the political actions in the country is low. In order to bring back that trust, the ones who carry the political responsibility in the future will have to turn announced reforms and promises into deeds," says Drexler.

Regarding VMRO-DPMNE's announcements it would seek a change of criteria and guarantees that there will be no more blockades related to identity issues during the accession negotiations so that the constitutional revision goes through, the Ambassador says Germany has always valued the Macedonian identity, culture and language, validating this through last year's Bundestag resolution.

"It was through the EU accession process that the Macedonian language was recognized beyond its borders. It is also clear that North Macedonia and all EU member-states agreed to the Negotiating Framework, which includes the adoption of the constitutional amendments," underlines Ambassador Drexler.