Skopje/Berlin, 13 May 2024 (MIA) - North Macedonia has an obligation to implement the Prespa Agreement, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday in response to the newly elected President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova's refusal to use the prefix "North" when referring to the country, Deutsche Welle reports.

According to DW, the Berlin government wants to continue its cooperation with the new government in Skopje, and considers it important for the country to continue on its path to EU and implement all necessary reforms.

"North Macedonia can rely on Germany. When it comes to using the name, there is an international agreement, the Prespa Agreement with Greece, which binds North Macedonia," said spokesperson Christian Wagner.

When asked what would happen if the new government does not implement the Prespa Agreement, Wagner refrained from commenting, but said his government is of the opinion that the Western Balkans belongs in EU.

"The German government is very active in that area and we will not allow grey zones in Europe. If we did, they would be used by other countries. And that is why we are sticking with our policy regarding the Western Balkans," Wagner stressed and added time should be allowed for the new government to be formed. ssh/ik/

MIA file photo