Sofia, 25 May 2023 (MIA) – The Bulgarian position remains unchanged – North Macedonia should begin and conclude the negotiating process and become a full-fledged EU member as soon as possible, as a result of its own contribution and by fulfilling the membership criteria, and not on the basis of a political decision, Bulgarian Parliament Speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov told BGNES.

Zhelyazkov stressed that the condition, “set by the European Commission” and concerning the constitutional changes to include the Bulgarians within the Macedonian Constitution, is important for Bulgaria.

“This is an absolute prerequisite for the beginning of negotiations. This is not our bilateral issue, but a condition for the beginning of negotiations, which is being monitored by the European Commission,” said Zhelyazkov in an interview given at the end of his visit to Rome on the occasion of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Day.

The Bulgarian Speaker added that during his meetings with representatives of the Italian and Vatican officials, he reiterated Sofia’s position that the country will become a full-fledged member of the EU on the basis of its own contribution.

“We believe that they will fulfill the conditions for membership, and they shouldn’t waste time, because the worst thing is to waste time, which will then turn into skepticism. The Macedonians need quick, decisive acts and determined decisions, without looking for external reasons. It is very important that the reasons, intentions and successes are their own,” added Zhelyazkov.

Zhelyazkov noted that at the meetings he was told that the Western Balkans is especially important for Italy and the Vatican, because “it is a region with potential for historic conflicts” and that the best way to solve the tensions it so fully integrate the Balkan countries within the EU.

Zhelyazkov added that he told his hosts Bulgaria is not setting conditions and is not hindering North Macedonia’s EU accession process.

“The conditions were set by the European Commission and for us it is important that they are fulfilled, because they are related to the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia,” added Zhelyazkov.

During his stay in Rome, Zhelyazkov had an audience with Pope Francis, and meetings with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, Lorenzo Fontana. A Macedonian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi visited Rome at the same time, and both delegations jointly laid wreaths at the St.Cyril memorial plates in Bulgarian and Macedonian in the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica.

Photo: MIA Archive