Skopje, 17 October 2024 (MIA) — The number of diplomats in Europe and worldwide who look with approval at our arguments, our position, and the potential solution we propose is growing. We act based on facts and we defend our interests. Why don't we honor the Good Neighborly Agreement? Not the protocol, not the proposal, but the agreement with Bulgaria, which does not require constitutional change. Well, then, let's honor it. It is an agreement, isn't it? Let's honor it then, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said in a TV appearance on Thursday evening.

Speaking about the unblocking of the country's European integration process in a Sitel TV interview, Mickoski said he was optimistic. He also said the message official Sofia was sending was very important.

"Is the problem multilateral or bilateral? What's the message? We are getting confusing signals and statements from Sofia. I hope that when their society is consolidated after the elections, we will get a clearer picture and we will receive a final message," Mickoski said. 

"We are saying, when the Bulgarian Parliament ratifies the country's EU accession agreement, let the constitutional amendments come into effect then. Let's create another masterpiece," he said, referring to the Prespa Agreement, which he said diplomats in the past had called a masterpiece.

Mickoski reiterated that as long as he was prime minister, the national interests would be safeguarded. He added that many international diplomats regarded favorably the government's proposal for delaying the implementation of constitutional changes.

"Our country is finally considered a partner," Mickoski said, adding that the state "has restored the credibility and dignity on the international stage." 

He said time would tell if his optimism was justified. 

"I expect us to close this topic in the near future so we can unblock the process and start negotiating," the PM said. mr/