Skopje, 17 February 2025 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi says all ideas should be on the table when it comes to the process of constitutional amendments.

"I believe we can come to a good solution if we are creative. We cannot be held hostage to one idea or where it comes from. We need to have the will to find a solution to the dispute. We are seeking support from our friends in Brussels, from the leading countries. We are convincing our friends to help remove this last obstacle in order to start the accession negotiations," Speaker Gashi told 360 Degrees.

Gashi says he does not believe that the issue of constitutional changes has already been delayed until after the end of the local elections.

"I don't have that feeling because we are working on a daily basis and the procedure can begin immediately if there is a good solution today. I think that VMRO-DPMNE has also said this in its programme - constitutional amendments if there is predictability," says Gashi.

According to him, Bulgaria has a new government and one cannot expect success in the talks right now, adding it is good that communication has been established through dialogue and openness.

"Seeing this problem through the prism of mutual interest of both countries and nations, I believe it is beneficial to solve the dispute from the aspect of regional security, namely remove the Bulgarian veto. I think that Bulgaria would not lose anything from this, but on the contrary, gain a lot. Nevertheless, we have to wait for tensions to calm down and then present arguments at the table, so they perceive our context as well. If the U.S. and Brussels are also willing, I am certain we need only a little push to untie this knot," says Gashi.

Regarding the differences between the new U.S. administration and Europe on important issues, the Speaker says that the country had determined its strategic objectives since the 1990s, with the path of development going through Brussels and Washington.

"I believe that our friends will not put us in a situation to choose. It is in the interest of the country and its citizens to move forward using both legs - Brussels and Washington", says Gashi.

He does not expect any radical changes in U.S. foreign policy, adding "it is not about isolationism but a different approach to solving problems".

MIA file photo