Skopje, 16 May 2024 (MIA) - The oath of President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova was dignified, I expected our southern neighbor to congratulate on the convincing triumph but unfortunately we got political muscles, said VMRO-DPMNE leader and the next PM-designate Hristijan Mickoski on Thursday.

Mickoski called for goodneighborly and friendly relations with Greece, no threats, obstructions and return to the past but looking to the future by both sides. He expects a meeting with the Greek PM very soon, focusing on economy, tourism, education etc.    

He pointed to the International Court of Justice if Greece believes the country has violated the Prespa Agreement.

"If someone expects VMRO-DPMNE to repeat the mistakes from the past, rest assured we will not do that. We do not intend to respond to their political muscles by renaming highways or airports, or build monuments. I do not expect bilateral relations to be based on political muscles, I expect them to be excellent. Both VMRO-DPMNE and the New Democracy government in Greece have their own positions related to the Prespa Agreement, since neither the former nor the latter like it," noted Mickoski.

He added that unlike in Greece, the Prespa Agreement is part of the Macedonian institutions, the Macedonian Constitution and the law.

"We have said on numerous occasions this is the reality. Communication in Macedonian institutions is done in line with the Constitution and law but how I name my country is my fundamental human right. When giving statements or delivering remarks, I expect the use of terms Macedonia and the adjective 'Macedonian', because the Prespa Agreement is not violated in this way, as per our interpretation. I use this opportunity to call on our friends in Greece - let's stop using threats, obstructions and returning to the past, let's look towards the future. These documents are pieces of legislation. If they believe that we have violated the Prespa Agreement, let me point to the International Court of Justice, they can initiate a process there and we can both present arguments. I would not like for this to happen. I call for goodneighborly and friendly relations," underlined Mickoski.

He added that the country only wants to see the bilateral protocol on economic cooperation ratified.

"We urge Greek companies to invest in Macedonia and Macedonian companies to invest in Greece. I call for goodneighborly and friendly relations, and mutual support," said Mickoski.

Photo: MIA and file photo