site.btaUPDATED Foreign Ministry Condemns North Macedonia PM Questioning Bulgarian Inclusion in His Country’s Constitution

In a press release issued on Wednesday evening, Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its disappointment and strongly condemned the recent statements of the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski, who questioned why the Bulgarian ethnic minority in North Macedonia should be recognized in the country's Constitution.

The press release reads: "These statements not only distort reality but also undermine efforts to build goodneighbourly relations and European integration."

According to the Ministry, the matter of the rights of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia is not a dispute between the two countries but an issue that concerns fundamental European values and standards. The release continues: "Progress in the process of European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia is only possible through the full and complete implementation of the European Consensus agreed and adopted by the Council of the EU in 2022, an important part of which is the amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia. Respect for the rights of minorities and guaranteeing their equal rights are fundamental principles of the European Union. In this context, the Republic of North Macedonia, as a candidate country for EU membership, has a responsibility to bring its legislation and practice in line with these principles."

The Foreign Ministry drew attention to the fact that many citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia have acquired Bulgarian citizenship, recognizing their Bulgarian origin and identity.

The statement concludes: "We call on the authorities in the Republic of North Macedonia to refrain from rhetoric that incites division and hatred, and instead to focus on fulfilling the criteria for membership of the European Union, including the protection of the rights of all ethnic communities in the country. It is only through sincere dialogue and mutual respect that we can achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our peoples within a united Europe."