HomeNewsNews of BulgariaGood neighbourliness treaty between Bulgaria and Republic of Macedonia will fix realities
Good neighbourliness treaty between Bulgaria and Republic of Macedonia will fix realities
29.07.2013
“The good neighbourliness treaty between Bulgaria and Macedonia will actually fix political realities. This is not a precedent in any way, because treaties of a similar nature have been signed bilaterally by other countries that are already members of the EU,” Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin said in an interview with Bulgarian National Radio after the July 28 meeting between the Prime Ministers of the two countries. The Macedonian side was informed that the treaty was important to Bulgaria, and signing it would open Macedonia’s road to European structures.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that negotiating teams had been formed to negotiate the text of the Treaty, and already had held four negotiating rounds. “During the term of this government, such negotiations have not yet beenheld, but it has been agreed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, that as soon as possible, perhaps even within the month of August, the next round of negotiationswill be held,” Kristian Vigeninsaid.
The Foreign Minister emphasised that it was through dialogue that the gap between the two countrieswould be bridged. “These are not easy issues, but I think if there is enough goodwill on both sides, they can be resolved,” he said, adding that the treaty would ensure that in the future, these issues would not become a cause for claims by future governments and leaderships of the Republic of Macedonia towards Bulgaria.
Commenting on the domestic political situation, Minister Vigenin said that the government would not resign. “We see no reason at this stage. But as to the need for dialogue, I myself spoke about that, even before that unfortunate evening outside the National Assembly. I think that if the protesters can formulate a bit more clear and constructive requests, we could comfortably sit down and talk and try to achieve them,” he said.
Minister Vigenin underlined that from its first day, the government has been working on important priorities for the country, including those that relate to fully-fledged membership of the European Union, and in particular the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism and Schengen.