Skopje, 5 December 2024 (MIA) - We see the sincerity of not only what the Government says but what the Government does, and this is a dedication to European integration and the reforms that are necessary for it, and this is something the United States supports and will continue to support, said US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Balkans, Alexander Kasanof, after a meeting with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Thursday.

PM Mickoski said the country must seek for a solution to begin and end the EU accession process, while completing its homework related to the rule of law and fight against crime and corruption in the meantime.

When asked if the US blacklist could enlarge, Deputy Assistant Secretary Kasanof said he could not comment about the specifics.

"I want to make sure to underline that our support for battling corruption is something we take very seriously in the United States and is something we address in a variety of ways here, in North Macedonia. We have several programs, obviously, that we are using to help support anti-corruption efforts. As regards the ‘blacklist’ or sanctions, I can’t comment about the specifics right now.  I can assure you this is a priority of ours and that this is something we are working on," said Kasanof.

On US support in light of incoming President Donald Trump, he said it was inappropriate for him to talk about the new administration coming in, noting "that is for them to do".

"What I can tell you is that in the next remaining months, until the end of the Biden administration, we will continue all of our efforts and our policies, and as regards North Macedonia our support for ongoing reforms and North Macedonia’s EU-integration path," said Kasanof.

Photo: MIA