Skopje, 18 November 2021 (MIA) – Daniel Lorer from the coalition Change Continues, who is most likely to take on the post of Foreign Minister in the new Bulgarian government, told BTV radio that 14 December is not a realistic deadline for reaching a full agreement with North Macedonia. According to Lorer, MIA reports from Sofia, positive results can’t be achieved if history is the only thing moving negotiations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia forward. He added that additional discussions are set to be launched in regard to the economic progress between the two countries. “Respect for the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia is crucial,” Lorer said, noting that upcoming negotiations will be based on facts, not speculations. Moreover, he stressed that talks on history will be held in parallel, so that both Sofia and Skopje are satisfied. Lorer underlined that the joint commission for historical issues is not promoting progress, noting that both sides are dissatisfied with its activities, so a new method should be introduced. The goal of the commission, he added, is to assist, but it shouldn’t be the only instrument in the process. Lorer also highlighted the depth of the dispute and the need for discussions, adding that all neighbors in the Balkans have faced similar issues. “The path of North Macedonia, Albania and the rest of the region is towards EU. Bulgaria wants North Macedonia to enter the process, but not at the expense of violating the rights of Bulgarians in the country. Moreover, there’s a need for an economic program that will ensure economic prosperity and we have a lot of specific plans in that regard,” he told BTV radio.