Skopje, 9 May 2022 (MIA) – A solution resulting from the Bulgaria talks must be dignified and that is the only way. There will be no solution unless there is a dignified one on the table. All political parties adopted a declaration and this shows the Parliament is the place where strategic decisions are taken, says Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski. PM Kovachevski told Sitel TV that North Macedonia and Bulgaria have opened a broad dialogue in various fields, relations have been improved and relaxed, both in terms of rhetoric and focus of discussions. “Nevertheless, we knew that the closer we are to a solution, the stronger the voices of those against it. The Western Balkans is a region where third parties have always had interest in leaving problems unresolved, having frozen conflicts that make people’s lives more difficult, but also out of geostrategic interests,” says Kovachevski. According to him, EU enlargement is currently not only a political and economic issue but also a security issue and that is why the Union should start the accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania as soon as possible. The PM reaffirms that the EU will remain the main strategic objective even if the Bulgarian veto is not lifted. “I have never mentioned dates in the Bulgaria dispute since day one in office. I have been saying all along that we need a swift and not a hasty decision. I have never said that the June summit is the turning point,” says Kovachevski. He adds that the country has already aligned 45 percent of its legislation with the EU Acquis, almost 80 percent of the trade exchange is done with the Union, while majority of the foreign direct investments come from the EU, whereas the EU is the only alternative for a country that fosters European values. “Talks with Bulgaria will continue and they must be based on European values, mutual respect between politicians and institutions, based on dignity. If we abide by these principles and show respect and dignity, then a solution can be found that will represent the foundation for goodneighborly relations and swift progress in the EU talks and full-fledged membership," concludes Kovachevski.