Skopje, 18 January 2022 (MIA) – Commenting on his statement on Monday that it’s not up to North Macedonia to say what kind of ethnic community exists in the region because it’s an internal issue of all countries, including Bulgaria, Deputy PM for European integration Bojan Marichikj said he only tried to stick to the Constitution which clearly defines the role of the country regarding the protection of the Macedonian people and citizens. In principle, he added, I only said what is in our Constitution and what is our obligation, without denying anyone any right. In an interview with Telma TV on Tuesday, Marichikj pointed out that all open issues with Bulgaria, including the issue of minorities, will be discussed. Asked whether there’s a Macedonian minority in Bulgaria, the Deputy PM said “if there are people there who declare themselves as Macedonians, it is their right and no one can deny it. Their status in Bulgaria depends on the constitutional order of Bulgaria and the rights granted to them by that state.” He is adamant that everyone has the right to declare themselves as they see fit. “Our Constitution, with 36 amendments since 2019, clearly defines the role of our country in terms of protection of the Macedonian people, as well as our citizens. That Article of the Constitution sets forth that the Republic of North Macedonia takes care of the rights and the cultural identity of the Macedonian people, and also takes care of its citizens abroad, to point out – of the citizens who are in a citizen relation with the country, and it also takes care in terms of all other nations living in the Republic of North Macedonia, and are our citizens, as well as for their relation with their homeland. It is our obligation and we must and should do it. However, the same amendment sets forth that North Macedonia shall not interfere in the internal affairs of any other country, including the neighboring countries. That was my point, that’s what I was saying without denying anything or anyone. Everyone in Europe has the right to declare themselves as to what ethnicity they think they have, and to exercise those rights within the country where they live,” Marichikj said. According to him, that’s why there are conventions, principles, charters and declarations that protect minority rights. “There’s more than one outstanding issue between us and Bulgaria. It wouldn’t be good to comment on and resolve all issues individually. That’s why the structure that will work on these outstanding issues is so extensive, including economy, transport, history, European integration, education and culture. All or most of the issues will be addressed in a larger package. In that sense, we will certainly address this issue as well,” said Marichikj.