Through an open process of cooperation, we have shown that we can overcome issues of the past and unite around what is common for the future of Macedonia and Bulgaria, which is enhanced cooperation, partnership and mutual trust. Delchev cannot divide us, he stood for progressive ideas that bring people together, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said in an interview with Lokalno.mk.
According to Zaev, relations with Bulgaria are based on the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation signed between the two countries, which is a good starting point for closing all open issues.
“I’m convinced there is a good chance to resolve every open issue, even in relation to Goce Delchev, in a way that keeps both parties happy. Through an open process of cooperation, we have shown that we can overcome issues of the past and unite around what is common for the future of Macedonia and Bulgaria, which is enhanced cooperation, partnership and mutual trust. Delchev cannot divide us, he stood for progressive ideas that bring people together,” Zaev tells Lokalno.mk.
In Delchev’s honor and in honor of his great ideas, he adds, I’m sure that both the Macedonian and the Bulgarian people, both countries will follow the path that leads forward, and which is already clearly outlined with the Treaty and the Euro-Atlantic processes.
Regarding the turmoil in VMRO-DPMNE and his alleged role in it, the Prime Minister pointed out that neither he nor SDSM intend to interfere in any way in the internal affairs of the opposition party.
Commenting on the proposal for the public prosecutor to be nominated by the opposition, Zaev says Macedonian prosecutors will be nominated in line with professional standards and the need for the rule of law.
“There must be justice and it can only be provided by professional institutions, free from any political influence. The election of a prosecutor through a political agreement has proved wrong in the past. Second, the country has professional public prosecutors who should be given a chance. Third, to elect a prosecutor through a political agreement requires amendments to the Constitution. Something that should not be raised as an issue at this point, especially since we have much more important topics to deal with including the fight against the coronavirus, the economy and the coming negotiation process with the EU,” Zaev says.
He underlines that cleansing of judiciary, order, justice and discipline at all levels are at the top of the Government’s agenda.
“It is true that there are mechanisms within the current legal solutions, to cleanse judiciary and strengthen its efficiency,” he notes.
As regards the increased number of cases of police brutality the country is witnessing these days, but also attacks on police officers, the SDSM leader points out that any kind of violence is unacceptable and institutions need to respond immediately.
Asked how he sees North Macedonia in 2024, after his term ends, Zaev underlined that the mission in this term is to “bring complete transformation and Europeanization of North Macedonia,” a time during which he’ll see the country changing for the better, institutions become more efficient, economy makes progress, and European standards become the country’s standards.
source: mia.mk
