Blagoevgrad, 30 October 2022 (MIA) – Culture is the vehicle that can bring nations closer and overcome differences, something that removes hatred, promoting European principles – united in diversities, heard the opening of the Macedonian culture club “Nikola Vapcarov” in the Bulgarian city of Blagoevgrad on Sunday, adding that the club would help Bulgarians recognize Macedonian culture and the Macedonian people. Milan Rizakov of OMO Ilinden Pirin said the club is opening in the spirit of great Macedonian revolutionary Goce Delchev, who “understood the world as a field for cultural competition among nations”, noting that both people should build bridges not walls. “We are accused of being enemies when we have friendly intentions, we are accused of being separatists when we aspire to topple borders in a united Europe, we are accused of working unlawfully when we want to operate in line with the laws. We have been working for 32 years to register our association that will help us take part in the cultural, social and political life here. The country has received 15 judgments from the European Court of Human Rights but we don’t want to judge anyone, we only want to be equal with the other citizens, we want to be able to call ourselves Macedonians without being insulted for that, to be able to associate and create without fear, be of use for the two countries and the two nations because we know their soul and culture,” said Rizakov. According to him, being a Macedonian is not an anti-Bulgarian act. “Macedonians in Bulgaria have been fighting for their human rights for 60 years now. We are extending our hands for friendship and we won’t raise our hands and give up,” he added. Atanas Maznev, one of the club’s founders, thanked all those who have supported its opening, saying the idea is to build bridges between the two nations and have a new culture area for cooperation. VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski extended congratulations over the club’s opening, saying the self-determination right should be respected. “This was an exceptional opportunity for us to unite, to stand behind the Macedonian people in Blagoevgrad and support this club, because the man after which it is named brought people together. Therefore, I expect this club to do the same here in Bulgaria,” noted Mickoski. President’s Office Secretary General Mile Boshnjakovski and Levica leader Dimitar Apasiev also attended the event that took place amid tight security and large media interest.