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Greek FM believes North Macedonia citizens not wanting to put bilateral relations, EU prospects in jeopardy

Greek FM believes North Macedonia citizens not wanting to put bilateral relations, EU prospects in jeopardy

Athens, 19 May 2024 (MIA) - The Prespa Agreement should be fully and consistently implemented, says Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis while expressing belief that "citizens of North Macedonia would not want to put relations with Greece and the country's European prospects in jeopardy", MIA reports from Athens.

Regarding the three memoranda that are still not ratified in the Hellenic parliament, FM Gerapetritis told daily Real News they will be introduced "at a specific political moment", reiterating their ratification depends on the consistent and full implementation of the Prespa Agreement.

"In reality, we want to ratify the memoranda because we approve of North Macedonia's European path. But this cannot happen unless there is full and tangible implementation of the Prespa Agreement. Let's not forget that the treaty's implementation is a clear prerequisite for North Macedonia's integration process," says Gerapetritis.

On the response of official Athens following the inauguration of new President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, the Greek FM says it was "swift, multidimensional and efficient".

"The reality is that the political leadership of North Macedonia is already under domestic pressure. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come out with a press release that the Prespa Agreement and the constitutional name should be fully respected, whereas the Ministry of Justice has claimed the inauguration was void and null. I believe that citizens of North Macedonia would not want to put relations with Greece and the country's European prospects in jeopardy," notes Gerapetritis.