Skopje, 13 June 2024 (MIA) - The topic over the use of the constitutional name was not opened with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis at the SEECP Summit, said President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova on Thursday.

"We did not discuss the topic. We sat next to each other. I am very pleased that he came and addressed the event as the last speaker because of his late arrival due to the flight delay. His messages were of regional importance - that we should help each other, promote the rule of law, respect international law, build on the Thessaloniki summit. The atmosphere was pleasant and friendly. I believe that when needed, people in the Balkans can find an understanding. I am also satisfied because of the fully aligned declaration adopted at the summit," President Siljanovska Davkova told a joint press conference with Montenegrin and Albanian counterparts, Jakov Milatović and Bajram Begaj.

Asked if she expected a blockade from Greece and shelving of the EU accession support if she continued to evade using the constitutional name, the President said she did not believe that the Constitution is violated or that the failure to use the constitutional name could cause problems.

"Let me remind you, the documents I sign, the documents I hold - passport, ID - and all other documents from my Office have the constitutional name on them. This is within the international law and the Constitution. It is true that every statement coming from people involved in politics, those holding offices, are interpreted as official acts, but all of us have two faces, one official and another. As a person, I have the right, since Socrates and within my freedom of thought, to express myself and I do not think this violates the Constitution of international law," said Siljanovska Davkova.

Albanian President Begaj does not expect any obstacles from Greece as well, saying the EU members should help Albania and North Macedonia in joining the club, especially since both countries have sacrificed a lot in order to become a part of the European family.

"We do not expect bilateral issues to impede countries and nations that have been waiting to join the EU for 30 years now. We respect all rules of the club we want to join and are fully aligned with the foreign and security polity of the Union. I hope this will all contribute to both countries becoming part of the European family, considering the sacrifices they have made," noted Begaj.

Photo: MIA