Osmani: Counter-narrative on French proposal based on incorrect interpretations
- Post By Silvana Kocovska
- 19:26, 12 July, 2022
Skopje, 12 July 2022 (MIA) - Concerns about language are unfounded with this formulation in the negotiating framework. Now, for the first time, we have the chance to close that issue. Citizens have the right to protests, to criticism and to political activities, but this entire counter-narrative is based on incorrect, wrong interpretations of the French proposal, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told Sitel TV on Tuesday.
Osmani noted that there is no Bulgarisation or imposition, and no one can change our textbooks. Such speculations are used to gain political points and are not in the interest of the citizens, he added.
At this point, Osmani underlined there is no clearer formulation for the language than there is in the negotiating framework proposed by the French presidency. The negotiating framework has nothing to do with the protocol, and the protocol will be published, as Osmani said, before his meeting with the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska.
According to Osmani, the logic of remaining blocked so that Bulgaria does not block us in the future is an irrational approach.
“All public speculations about the proposal are unfounded, people are getting upset unnecessarily, the language is pure, historical issues are not benchmarks for progress in the process. There is no Bulgarisation or imposition, and no one can change our textbooks and monuments. Such speculations are used to gain political points and are not in the interest of the citizens. Citizens' interest is now to move towards the EU and strengthen democratic institutions. Let's start the process, and during the negotiations we will overcome all the differences,” Osmani said.
Regarding the parliamentary session scheduled for Thursday at which French proposal will be debated, Osmani said the most important will be the conclusions, that is, the directions that will be submitted to the Government.
“The conclusions of the Parliament will be the most important, in which a clear mandate will be given to the Government as to what it can and cannot do during the negotiation process. I am informed about the conclusions being discussed by the MP groups. I think the conclusions will have importance to give direction,” Osmani said.