On Tuesday 10 October, the Macedonian Foreign Minister, Nikola Dimitrov, called for a more frank approach between the EU and western Balkan countries.
He explained to the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee that, “We need to have realistic and tangible perspectives for the region, as well as serious, visible and tangible reforms. We need to assume greater responsibility but we need perspectives and a frank approach between the two parties”. He therefore welcomed the “recently renewed attention” of the EU to the region.
The Minister pointed out that his country’s objective was, “EU accession, not just to join but to make the Republic of Macedonia stronger within European democracy”. He said, “We need to think of my country as a country of opportunity and not as a country of crisis”, given that the Former Republic of Macedonia is currently finding a way out of a serious political crisis. He added, “This is probably a chance for Europe to show that we can put a stop to a negative dynamic and develop a positive dynamic instead. Our future is with you and it is high time that this pace was speeded up”. Mr Dimitrov pointed out that his country had been “stuck in the waiting room for years” and explained that this was not “a positive or sustainable strategy to follow”. The country has been an EU candidate country since December 2005 but has not yet opened accession negotiations.
The head of Macedonian diplomacy pointed out that, “We want to join NATO and have good neighbourhood relations” and therefore emphasised the importance of developing good neighbourhood relations. The country has had complicated relations with Bulgaria and still has a difficult relationship with Greece, particularly over the question of the country’s name. He indicated that his country had signed a good neighbourhood agreement with Sofia and several meetings had also been held with Greece. He explained, “We are fully aware that we cannot jostle our way in ‘an adversary against adversary’ mode. We need to discuss, negotiate and treat Greece like an ally in the future… our Greek friends must recognise the unique character of the current moment”.
With regard to reforms, the minister drew up a long inventory and pointed out, “We want a free media, educated citizens, an independent judiciary that is free from political interference, as well as a functioning Parliament that can control the powers of the executive”. He pointed out that his government had decided on a reform framework of three, six and nine months. Mr Dimitrov also said that the Priebe report (see EUROPE 11864) would be used as a, “roadmap for a sustainable democracy in the country”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)