Skopje, 12 July 2022 (MIA) – The Central Board of ruling party SDSM supported late Monday the process of launching negotiations for the country’s full-fledged membership in the European Union in line with the draft-negotiating framework resulting from the European proposal of 30 June 2022, put forward by the French Presidency. Considering the state and national interests, the highest strategic goals for EU membership and the citizens’ interests, the SDSM Central Board unanimously decided to support the process of starting the EU talks, the party said in a press release. It adds that SDSM, as a state-building party, remains firmly committed to the unconditional respect of the linguistic, identity, historical and cultural traits of the Macedonian people as elements that are non-negotiable with the EU at no circumstance. SDSM expects these commitments and principles to be supported by all political entities in the Parliament through conclusions on the European proposal, in compliance with the institution’s procedures, whereas the Government to consistently abide by the resolution on the Macedonian red lines adopted in the Parliament in the course of the negotiating process. Our country is faced with a very important decision on its future and realization of another strategic goal – opening of EU negotiations while preserving and securing the Macedonian language in the EU, which finally closes all identity issues. We have a proposal that guarantees a clear Macedonian language in the EU, while historical and bilateral issues are left outside of the negotiating framework. All parties should act in a responsible, statehood and rational way, so that we make this long-awaited decision together and advance the country’s Euro-integration path, reads the press release.