site.btaNorth Macedonia Opposition Leader Says Bulgarian Politicians Sent Relations “back to Middle Ages” 

The leader of the opposition VMRO-DPMNE party in the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, said here Saturday that Bulgarian politicians have sent bilateral relations “back to the Middle Ages” and now they have to say how these relations can improve. He was speaking to the press after participating in a Skopje observance of the 151st anniversary of revolutionary Gotse Delchev, which both countries celebrate as a hero.

Asked by a Bulgarian reporter how bilateral relations could improve, Mickoski said: “Bulgarian politicians should answer the question how relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia can be improved because they are taking us back to the Middle Ages, as if we are not in the 21st century. Instead of talking about artificial intelligence, exchange of technology and experience, they are taking us back to the Middle Ages, unfortunately. In order to score petty political points, Bulgarian politicians are doing what they should not do and instead of being 21st century politicians, they are turning into circus performers”.

"We all have to respect each other if we want to build good relations. By denying the Macedonian language, culture, you cannot respect them. Well, if they decided to celebrate the Macedonian Gotse Delchev, I don't see why there would be a problem. We are a peaceful people, we respect everyone who comes with good intentions and we expect to be respected," Mitkoski said after laying flowers at Gotse Delchev's grave in the Skopje Church of St. Spas.

Mickoski also said that "you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your neighbours".

Earlier in the day, Mickoski lashed out at his country’s government for the arrangements it has made and the tight security measures set in place for the Gotse Delchev observances and said that “only alienated the Bulgarian and Macedonian people”.