The political situation will, undoubtedly, affect the work of the joint commission on historical issues but its activities should continue. Overcoming of understandings can occur only through dialogue and discussions, says commission co-chair Dragi Gjorgiev.
Gjorgiev told Bulgarian TV station Evropa the next meeting of the commission should take place via video-conference on December 3-4.
“The negative comments have intensified after the Bulgarian veto, including pressure on the commission to end discussions. The public is disappointed but also furious because of Bulgaria’s move. Of course, we have not had any political pressure but the one coming from the media and the public is truly big. However, I would like to see the commission continue its work,” says Gjorgiev.
He explains that Bulgaria’s demands are absolutely unacceptable for Macedonia and its citizens.
“This also causes radicals to boost the mistrust towards Bulgaria. Amid such an atmosphere, it will much more difficult to have discussions,” says Gjorgiev.
According to him, Macedonian and Bulgarian historians disagree on the term “shared history”.
“The Bulgarian side says history up to 1944 refers to only one nation – Bulgarians. This is absolutely unacceptable for us because the formation process of a contemporary Macedonian nation is something that had started earlier, which can be seen in documents and persons who had promoted this. We have our own history too, our own individuals, our own culture that enables us to seek our roots. We have this right and no one can take this away from us,” says Gjorgjiev.
He says the historical dispute should be debated by historians and academia, but not affect the bilateral political relations and lead to quarreling between the two people.
“We can find a common ground. Our story is intertwined, we have a lot in common. However, the demand to accept only one narrative of a certain past and only one truth is not the best way to reach an understanding,” notes Gjorgiev.
He says that Goce Delchev will continue to produce debate between historians from both sides, adding that despite the influence from a Bulgarian educational context that developed the ideas of Bulgarian revolutionaries, he also has a strong Macedonian political identity.
“He was born in Macedonia, he was fighting for Macedonia. He has a strong Macedonian political identity and we cannot neglect this aspect. Therefore, I believe we should be flexible and wise, leaving aside the issue of who Goce Delchev belongs to. He is engraved in the memory of both the Bulgarian and the Macedonian people, and can be considered a hero who can be jointly celebrated. This is where the solution must be found and discussions will continue,” underlines Gjorgiev.
