Skoipje, 12 June 2023 (MIA) – The leaders' meeting was a great step in the right direction and it showed the conditions of both the government, i.e. SDSM, and the opposition VMRO-DPMNE regarding the constitutional amendments. Positions can shift in the coming days but of course, it should be within a realistic framework, said Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj. 

Marichikj told Sitel TV that it is necessary to continue from where the leaders' meeting left off, but it should be done within a realistic framework and reasonable talks.

"We will give the opposition another chance in the coming days, to approach these talks so that we can jointly agree and implement a plan for constitutional changes. If this does not happen and if appeals for a reasonable dialogue from our side do not give results with DPMNE, we will of course start talks with every member of parliament," said Marichikj. 

According to Marichikj, VMRO-DPMNE's proposals move in unrealistic frameworks and outside the negotiating framework, which means renegotiating the framework that was already adopted last year.

"I believe it is reasonable and responsible for us to sit down for talks, whether as a team, whether individually, at another leaders' meeting, and continue from where the leaders' meeting left off.  We can shift positions in the coming days, but as long as all that is within realistic frameworks. We can demand for Bulgaria not to have the right to veto or to change the rules in the EU. We have tried in the past to change the rules in NATO, and we have not succeeded. Therefore, we need to have a reasonable way of talks, where we will take responsibility together, share responsibility in that joint government and make it easier for the citizens to really have a European perspective," Marichikj said.

He pointed out it was inappropriate to claim that someone can take our language and identity, as there are strong and clear guarantees for the Macedonian language and Macedonian identity in the EU.

"I believe it is very inappropriate for us to claim that someone can take our language and identity. That cannot happen. That's why we put the Macedonian language in the negotiating framework, insisted on signing the Frontex agreement in Macedonian language, insisted that the screenings are in Macedonian, to assure the entire public and DPMNE that our identity is already guaranteed. In that regard, I'm sure that there would be a possibility to talk, whether with the EP or the Council, or wherever, that such a reaffirmation would come, we expect such a reaffirmation," said Marichikj. 

In that sense, Marichikj noted, VMRO-DPMNE should also be constructive, and he called for reason and continuing the dialogue on the part of the opposition.  

Photo: MIA archive