PM Zaev: If Bulgaria forms gov’t we can find solution to unblock start of EU talks
Skopje, 3 September 2021 (MIA) – Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said on Friday that Bulgaria will probably hold third parliamentary elections at the same time as the presidential elections, after which a new Bulgarian government will be formed and discussions can take place for finding a solution to unblock the start of North Macedonia’s EU accession talks.
“Having all this in mind, I expect we’ll resolve all issues by November or December. As I said, we have guarantees through deadlines and relevant institutions to enhance the efficiency of Friendship Treaty implementation. Moreover, we’re ready to accept both diplomatic notes, the first of which refers to the fact that North Macedonia is the same as Republic of North Macedonia, meaning we have no territorial aspirations towards any of our neighbors, including Bulgaria, and send them to the EU, Bulgaria, other neighbors and the UN,” Zaev told reporters.
The second diplomatic note refers to non-interference in domestic issues, including minority rights.
“As I said in modern Europe, these issues are resolved at the court in Strasbourg. There won’t be any interference from our or their side. Our goal is to take care all ethnic communities and minorities in our country, including the Bulgarian minority, which we are doing,” the PM underlined.
He expressed expectations that once normal life is restored and pandemic-related issues are resolved, capital investments in infrastructure will intensify, which will create a positive atmosphere in both countries and allow North Macedonia to advance on its EU integration path.