Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said he liked the French proposal for lifting Bulgaria’s veto on North Macedonia’s start of EU talks, stressing that no other such proposal would materialize, but he said he would keep his word to the people of Bulgaria that Members of Bulgaria’s Parliament should be the ones to decide whether to unblock North Macedonia’s European path, transmits MIA.

Speaking in Brussels ahead of the EU–Western Brussels leaders meeting, Petkov said he hoped Bulgarian lawmakers would settle the matter in the next few days.

“This is a historic moment for us to be able to protect all our Bulgarian interests, things we have dreamed of, and through this proposal, protect the Bulgarian interests in the long run,” Petkov said. He urged Bulgarian lawmakers not to “pass on the hot potato” forcing him to decide on the French proposal.

“If you are statesmen, convene the committee and make the right decision,” Petkov said, addressing the members of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee that is set to decide on whether to accept or reject the proposal. According to the Bulgarian Prime Minister, “the Republic of North Macedonia issue has been the wool pulled over the nation’s eyes for the sole purpose of destabilizing the government and stealing billions.”

He also addressed Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, saying it was unacceptable that he had not convened the Consultative Council on National Security in the past two weeks and was “hiding in various places” instead. “If you are a real President, you convene the CCNS, all of the administration, all parties, we all sit down together, we talk and we come up with a position.” “The masks are off,” Petkov added. “I’m tired of cowards.”