The government has neither negotiated, not is planning to negotiate the Macedonian language and identity. It’s a universal right of all nations to have their own language and national identity, as international documents clearly state. The position of our coalition partner Ljupcho Georgievski is his own personal opinion, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told reporters on Monday regarding statements issued by Georgievski via social media over the weekend.
Zaev added that he talked to Georgievski on Sunday and explained that the government’s position on the issue is clear. Georgievski, he noted, confirmed that what he wrote was his own personal opinion.
“North Macedonia and Bulgaria have signed a Treaty according to which we accept our shared history. This was a significant step forward, made in the spirit of friendship,” Zaev stressed.
According to the PM, although Bulgaria accepts Macedonians and the Macedonian language as real, it demands to talk about the past. However, he added, this is up to historians to discuss, expressing hopes that they will find common ground.
Moreover, he stressed wishes that a solution will be found following the election in Bulgaria.
“I believe we’ll find a solution, but refrain from further comments due to ongoing election process in Bulgaria. As soon as the new Bulgarian government is formed, we’ll continue talks, with the goal of solving issues as soon as possible to continue on the European path and hold the first intergovernmental conference,” Zaev underlined.
VMRO People’s Party leader Ljupcho Georgievski on Saturday shared via social media an action plan for improving “dead end relations with Bulgaria.” He proposed that North Macedonia give guarantee that it has no territorial aspirations and will not aid the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria. Moreover, he wrote that the Bulgarian Parliament should issue a declaration saying that it recognizes under the terms Macedonian nation and Macedonian language, the nation and language established after 1944.
Georgievski also proposed changes in the strategy of historical commissions, adding that North Macedonia should sign a concession agreement with Bulgaria over railway construction.
SDSM on Sunday distanced itself from Georgievski’s post, reaffirming its clear position on the issue.
“We remain open for dialogue and finding a solution, but the Macedonian language and identity are non-negotiable. We’ve neither discussed, not will discuss them in the future. Georgievski’s position is his own personal opinion,” said SDSM MP Marija Georgievska.
