Skopje, 30 June 2022 (MIA) – Today, the Government received a proposal from the French EU Presidency with ideas that relate to our publicly declared positions regarding the dispute with the Republic of Bulgaria, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski wrote in a Facebook post. “This proposal, which drafting took into consideration our positions and demands, will be put for a broad consultative process. The next few days will see consultations in the Government, with political parties, the President, the Parliament, the civil society, the experts and the general public. Afterwards, a decision will be taken on the proposal,” says PM Kovachevski in the post. He adds that as promised and contrary to what the opposition has speculated, “we will take the decision together, in line with the strategic interests of the country and all citizens.” “Let me thank President Macron and the French Presidency for their efforts in overcoming the obstacles, for the purpose of maintaining the European credibility on the Balkans,” says Kovachevski. Government sources have told MIA that the ‘no’ uttered by the PM last week in Brussels has produced results and the proposal is now altered and considers North Macedonia’s positions, proposals and remarks. “The French proposal has reached the Government. At first glance, it considers our positions and demands. The proposal will be put for broad consultation prior to making the final decision,” the sources tell MIA. According to unofficial sources in the negotiating process, the proposal provides a clear formulation of the Macedonian language in the EU, whereas the protocol arising from the bilateral agreement with Bulgaria and historical issues are not part of the negotiating framework.