Skopje, 29 January 2024 (MIA) — Experience has shown us we can achieve any goal together based on shared values and principles; now is not a time for divisions, it is a time for togetherness, former Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski told a press conference Monday after handing over his office to caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi.

"Our past and future efforts should lead to North Macedonia joining the EU in 2023," former PM Kovachevski said, pointing out that his stragetic goal would follow another – that of becoming a NATO member state, which the country had achieved, "ensuring peace and stability and a secure future for our children," he said.

"We have been recognized as a factor of stability in the region," Kovachevski continued. "Our pro-European government coalition, which the new government is based on, has shown and proved that it has the political will and human capacity to respond to all challenges and responsibilities.

"At the same time, we showed the political maturity and coalition capacities necessary for any government to be stable and functional."

The former prime minister also noted that the ruling coalition had organized several elections that were evaluated as free, fair and democratic both by local and international observers. "I know this will be the case in the upcoming elections, as well," he said.

Kovachevski stressed the importance of cooperation and mutual support on the country's path to the EU. "These are different times," he said. "Today is not a time for rifts. Today is a time for togetherness.

"These are a better times, times in which rationales are heard, times in which our captured past is history. When no one has to whisper and hide to say their opinion. Today is a time when, as never before, everything is up to us, ourselves, because we have made many friends and allies in the region and the world.

"Today is a time for optimism, courage and self-confidence. Today is a time for mutual support and working together."

Urging the nation's progressive forces to stay the European course, Kovachevski said a future in the EU would be better for everyone, especially young people and future generations. He also thanked his cabinet for the support over his two-year term and wished caretaker PM Xhaferi good luck and success in his post.

Xhaferi said that the caretaker government would continue following the same priorities as the pro-European coalition and make all decisions in line with the Constitution and state laws.

"The primary task of this government is to organize free and fair democratic elections, in a direct, open and legal procedure," he said, adding that the caretaker government would implement guidelines by the OSCE, ODIHR, SEC, the EU and the USA to meet the highest European standards during the election campaigns and the elections.

He added that the nation would remain committed to the NATO alliance and aligned with the EU's common foreign and security policy.

Also high on the caretaker government's agenda, Xhaferi said, was meeting the country's obligations from the open negotiations and from the bilateral screening with the EU, including reforms in the public administration and strengthening the rule of law.

He said the caretaker government would be open and transparent. "Regardless of how long this government lasts," the caretaker PM added, "let me assure you that the government at all times would be functional, ready to cooperate, and inclusive, making sure every segment and ministry is transparent, accountable and above all efficient in serving the citizens."

Although coming from different party backgrounds, government members were elected by citizens, Xhaferi noted, and their duty was to protect citizens' best interests before all else. mr/