Skopje, 21 October 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia threatens the fundamental rights of Bulgarians in the country under the European Convention on Human Rights, as the right to freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, Bulgaria’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kostadin Kodzhabashev said on Friday. “In this regard we are forced to remind the country, which candidate for EU membership that in the European practice and legislative initiatives relating to the right of association are driven by the desire to facilitate, and not to hinder, the establishment and functioning of civil organizations and associations,” Kodzhabashev said. He said that in line with decision of the Bulgarian National Assembly of 24 June 2022, Bulgaria will support the European integration of North Macedonia only on the condition that the rights of Bulgarians in the country are guaranteed, adding that “the latest legal changes in Skopje are in the contrary to that condition.” According to him, it is highly unacceptable to use narratives, including legislative initiatives, which unprincipledly exploit topics related to fascism, anti-Semitism and terrorism in order to limit fundamental rights and worsen good neighbourly relations. “We categorically reject attempts to impose selective one-sided historical interpretations,” Kodzhabashev said. He added that in line with Friendship Treaty, a special commission has been established for “overcoming of the historical contradictions,” and its work “cannot be replaced by any newly created structure."