There are no secret agreements to lift the veto before Northern Macedonia to start negotiations for membership in the European Union. This was stated by the co-chairman of „Democratic Bulgaria“ Hristo Ivanov.
He added that the change can only be made by a decision of the National Assembly, which is already voting on a framework position binding on the government.
„All parties in the National Assembly have confirmed their position on Northern Macedonia before the President at a meeting of the National Security Advisory Council. „One person cannot make any commitments“, he told reporters in parliament.
Hristo Ivanov clarified that he shared the position with the European partners, as well as the need for any decision on the issue to be taken by the National Assembly. He said:
“There is no pressure from the EU, no wringing of hands, no deadlines. But we have no interest in producing legends that put us in a humiliating position. We must protect our national interests, but as I have always said – this includes PCM to become part of the European family.”
Ivanov added :
“Our EU partners are asking how they can help. If change is to take place, it must go through a very serious commitment by the European institutions to defend our position. This is not a dispute between Bulgaria and the RSM, but between Bulgaria as an EU member and a country that is a candidate member.”
According to him, there is already a calming tone among the coalition partners today on this and other controversial topics.
“There will be no early parliamentary elections at the moment. Colleagues are aware of the responsibility we have for governing the country and I believe that the disputes will be resolved. I hope that the emotions will pass”, he said.
