Skopje, 10 December 2021 (MIA) – Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani does not expect Albania and North Macedonia to be decoupled at next week’s Council summit. “I hope the focus will be on the consequences of this delay and non-enforcement of EU’s own decisions, which significantly impacts the Union’s credibility in the region, eventually leading to a situation of both countries starting the accession negotiations in January at the latest,” FM Osmani told Telma TV. He adds the two countries were in reverse positions in 2019, when North Macedonia was supposed to move forward, but Albania lacked support from several member-states. The issue back then was also to decouple North Macedonia, but it is in the interest of both countries to stick together because they create synergy and regional dynamics. On an alleged French initiative to overcome the Bulgaria dispute, Osmani says the statement of Deputy PM Grubi was taken out of context, adding that France has been visibly proactive in finding a solution as of late. “This is good for the region and its European perspective, considering France’s position in the EU, and we have seen this at the meeting with President Macron in Paris but also in other meetings, including with counterpart Le Drian. I really see a proactive approach by France, and considering a continually proactive Germany, this gives hope to the entire region that the process has a future,” notes Osmani. Referring to the French EU Presidency priorities presented yesterday by President Macron, the FM says it is good that the Western Balkans’ significance for the EU has been singled out. “All those following the process know that the EU without one of its regions cannot be a geopolitical factor, but would also lack stability and prosperity,” says Osmani. Asked about Bulgaria’s reaffirmation of its veto for the start of the accession talks, he says this is a position of the caretaker government in Sofia. “There is certain tactical positioning in the talks so that each side takes up a better position. I am more in favor of the approach that promotes trust, open and transparent discussion rather than tactical positioning. In the end, we are closest neighbors and have to live together,” underlines Osmani.