site.btaPM Mickoski: Sofia Demands Not Only Inclusion of Bulgarians in Constitution, but Rather "Complete Redefinition of Macedonian Identity"

North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Wednesday said he had seen a confirmation of the thesis that what Sofia demands is not only the inclusion of Bulgarians in the Constitution [of North Macedonia], but rather "a complete redefinition of Macedonian identity". He was answering a journalist's question about the response of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry to his claim that Bulgaria objects to Skopje's Action Plan for the protection of the rights of members of the communities "because it is in the Macedonian language".

"However, these are days when we should forgive and come together as a nation. I regret that the previous government embarked on such an adventure and completely stalled the European integration process. I regret that it accepted an ultimatum from our eastern neighbour instead of listening to us at the time. Nevertheless, a hand has been extended; they should abandon the theses we are hearing in public and finally stand up in defence of Macedonian national interests," Mickoski said after attending a liturgy in Skopje for the Nativity of Christ, which is celebrated on January in North Macedonia7.

The Foreign Ministry in Sofia stated in a position on January 4 that "the question of the language in which the expected Communities’ Rights Action Plan of North Macedonia should be drafted is an internal matter for the neighbouring country and is not an issue of bilateral relations". It also said: "The document will be implemented by North Macedonia’s institutions with regard to its own citizens and it is therefore logical for it to be written in a language accessible to them. Skopje's decision to present the draft plan to its citizens in English is difficult to explain, particularly if the plan is intended to be effectively implemented." The Foreign Ministry recalled that the Action Plan is a step envisaged to follow the inclusion of Bulgarians in North Macedonia's Constitution, which is still pending, and which would allow that country to open EU accession negotiations.