Athens, 9 May 2024 (MIA) - Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has expressed hope that the new VMRO-DPMNE government will not change the country's foreign policy, thus resuming its European path, MIA reports from Athens.

FM Gerapetritis told Greek radio Skai they are closely monitoring developments and are prepared for all scenarios.

"I hope there will be no changes in the foreign policy and North Macedonia's domestic affairs as well. VMRO has won convincingly. Their pre-election agenda also focused on the Prespa Agreement and how dignified it is for the citizens of North Macedonia. Let me say the following: New Democracy, when in opposition, raised the agreement's gray zones. On the other hand, when assuming power, we had the political and legal obligation to not only observe the Prespa Agreement but also implement it consistently, as per our Constitution," explains Gerapetritis.

He adds that agreements ratified by parliaments supersede all laws, meaning that "irrespective of what Greece or North Macedonia want, they cannot unilaterally change the Prespa Agreement".

"Although certain rhetoric was heard during the election campaign, I can sense that the climate will not be disrupted, also considering that the Prespa Agreement is a formal prerequisite for North Macedonia's EU integration, which is the main goal of the neighboring country," notes Gerapetritis.

He reiterates Greece's support to the European prospects of North Macedonia and the entire region, leading to peace and security in the broader area, adding that the "big problem for North Macedonia at this moment is not the Prespa Agreement but the Bulgaria issue".

"Inclusion of the Bulgarian minority in the Constitution, similar to the Prespa Agreement, is a prerequisite for progress on the Euro-integration path. Therefore, the new government and the new president will find themselves facing important dilemmas. It is my belief and hope that the neighboring country will continue its European path and we will not see a revival of nationalism and problems from the past," underlines Gerapetritis.