The walls have no place between neighboring countries. The walls, not literally, exist due to ideological, historical and political points of view. Barriers and walls can be eliminated and both sides need to work on that, said Bulgarian MEP and European Parliament rapporteur for North Macedonia, Ilhan Kyuchyuk.
“Such a plan is prepared on the one hand by the Bulgarian Government and on the other by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia,” Kyuchyuk told Bulgaria on Air TV, voicing hope that it will happen soon.
“Discussions are not possible without mentioning history. At the same time, the path of reforms in North Macedonia must continue, but it must not be hindered by difficult historical disputes. The joint historical commission, which aims to resolve many issues that are relevant, must continue its work. However, the politicians must not avoid this issue, leaving it in the hands of historians, no matter how competent they are,” Kyuchyuk said.
According to Kyuchyuk, the Bulgarian side is making a fundamental mistake by mixing the two agreements – the agreement between North Macedonia and Greece, the so-called the Prespa Agreement, and the one between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness and Cooperation.
“While the Prespa Agreement puts an end to the dispute by dividing historical facts and personalities, literally stating that the Republic of North Macedonia has nothing to do with ancient Macedonia, our issue is much more complicated. It introduces the term ‘common’, which raises ‘other important issues for our common future, which must inevitably be linked to the EU.’ Two so close countries, Bulgaria and North Macedonia, can resolve all the issues raised. However, it seems the closer we get, the further apart we become,” Kyuchyuk said.
