US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Balkans Gabriel Escobar, said that he had talked with France, which took over the six-month presidency of the European Union on January XNUMX, for the possible start of accession negotiations between Northern Macedonia and the EU as soon as possible.
– We have already talked to France. We have made it clear that we believe that EU membership is essential for all of us in the Western Balkans. We believe that they are part of Europe, we believe that as they meet the conditions by closing the chapters they should be more integrated in the EU and we think that it will be a solution for all countries. “Every country that has joined the EU has become more democratic, more prosperous and more stable,” he told VOA in Macedonian.
According to him, Northern Macedonia’s accession process to the EU should be decided by Europe. However, he added, we strongly support Northern Macedonia’s candidacy for the EU, we believe that a great deal has been done, it is already a European country, culturally and historically a European country. “Hence, we want to see the process begin as soon as possible,” Escobar said.
He said he believes the EU has not disappointed northern Macedonia, as it continues to help.
– I believe that we will reach an appropriate agreement in a very short period of time. “We will work on that,” he assured.
Escobar believes that six months, as announced by the Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov for resolving the dispute with Northern Macedonia, are enough to solve the problems, although he stressed that there is frustration among European partners that the process is not going fast.
He also said that the United States remains in the position that Northern Macedonia and Albania should not be separated in the EU accession process.
– There is no change in the position of the United States. We believe that both countries have done their job, both countries are moving in the right direction, both countries have a European focus and orientation, and we want to see them move together. “We want to see them move together fast,” Escobar said.
