site.btaBulgaria's Differences with Macedonia Remain after Latest Talks

Bulgaria's Differences
with Macedonia Remain
after Latest Talks


Sofia, February 25 (BTA) - The differences of opinion between
Bulgaria and Macedonia remain after the latest round of
bilateral talks, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said,
speaking before the EU Affairs Committee and the Foreign Policy
Committee in the Bulgarian Parliament.

Mitov said that Macedonia cannot join the EU unless it maintains
good neighbourly relations with Bulgaria. He voiced concern
over the political situation in the Western Balkan country.

"We will make an analysis to identify the points where a
breakthrough is possible, but the negotiations will be difficult
and will take a while," Mitov said. As the opposition in
Macedonia stays out of the proceedings of the parliament, any
agreement that may be reached right now between Bulgaria and
Macedonia may turn out to be illegitimate, he noted.

"We continue to favour Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic membership, but
it takes a definite, clearly stated political will for good
neighbourly relations with Bulgaria," Mitov said. PK/VE

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