Skopje, 4 October 2023 (MIA) - Nothing can diminish the importance and urgency of the constitutional amendments. We must use EU's open door because of the geopolitical developments on the European continent. Otherwise, Macedonia could wait for a similar opportunity for decades, says Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

FM Osmani told Telma that the country is facing a serious historic moment.

"Such a geopolitical moment has not been upon us since World War II and the creation of the EU. I often say that the EU is enlarging on two principles - merit and geopolitics. What does this mean? That the big iron door opens amid occasional geopolitical triggers and moments, and those who are ready enter," says Osmani.

According to him, North Macedonia must not miss out on the opportunity. Despite the opposition's stance against the constitutional amendments, he is an optimist and says "we will make a breakthrough".

On the deadline for the constitutional changes, the FM says the door will start to close after December "because Ukraine will again be in the focus".

"December should be our target. But if not, the end of the Parliament's term is the final day, because I believe it will be very difficult to do this after the elections," says Osmani and added that the EU negotiating process should not be linked to the protocols arising from the Bulgaria agreement.

Referring to the presidential and parliamentary elections, Osmani says they will probably be held in their regular slot.

Photo: MIA archive