18.11.2020
“Bulgaria has wished most of all that our neighbors from the Republic of North Macedonia as well as our friends from all over the Western Balkans join the EU.” This was stated by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at today’s cabinet meeting. The Prime Minister recalled that it was Bulgaria that firmly supported the Republic of North Macedonia in its pursuit of NATO membership.
We have been extremely well-intentioned and concerned and in the discussions that we have had with them, we have explained to them very carefully the extent to which we might compromise,” the Prime Minister said. Mr. Borissov recalled that a joint historical commission had been set up within which the experts were to come up with precise argumentation to resolve the contentious issues. The Prime Minister pointed out that dozens of talks had been held, involving Deputy Prime Ministers Zaharieva and Karakachanov and seeking compromises so that Bulgaria would not be the country to veto the actual start of negotiations now.
Prime Minister Borissov expressed regret that Skopje failed to demonstrate commitment, as they believed pressure and lobbying could make Bulgaria change its position. “Our position is not a position of stubbornness or a position to stop our closest friends,” the Prime Minister said. As he put it, the Bulgarian position is principle-abiding and concurs with the expectations of all Bulgarian citizens. “We stand ready to continue the talks,” Mr. Borissov said and underlined the implementation of the Neighborhood Agreement. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov firmly objected to the use of anti-Bulgarian rhetoric.
