Belgrade, 16 November 2021 (MIA) – Western Balkans countries are about to face some serious challenges, but we must show wisdom and maturity, which will reflect a vision and perspective for the region, said VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski in an interview with the Belgrade-based newspaper “Politika”. “I believe in a new common future and patriotism, which will unite us in solving mutual problems to fight for a better standard, better education and healthcare. We should leave behind the major national topics that never did any good in the Balkans, and we should fight for a better life, because nothing else will bring progress. In this context, every initiative that will accelerate this process should be embraced, because it’ll bring the people together. That’s why Open Balkan is a good opportunity for deeper cooperation," Mickoski said. He pointed out that he doesn’t see Open Balkan as an EU substitute, but as an initiative that can help the region’s communication, and leaders should focus on the aspect that can help the people get together. “We should invest in trust and close contacts in order to enable the region’s development, to participate in joint infrastructural projects, as well as more frequent communication. It takes wisdom and being reasonable to not produce impatience, but good energy instead. We demand respect, but we also give it. We should close the infamous chapters of our history and focus on our points of friendship, because there is huge potential there. We have to get this done, it’s our job primarily, not the European Union’s,” Mickoski said. The VMRO-DPMNE leader believes that progress should be based on values and credit, but the Balkan countries are tired of false hope and waiting. “Losing dignity to prolonged waiting is impermissible. The Balkan leaders should take responsibility, but so should the European leaders. The EU must show flexibility, and all Balkan countries should demonstrate cooperativeness in this process. Member states shouldn’t abuse their right to veto against countries that do deserve progress, and there shouldn’t be winners and losers. Every time we’ve turned to the past on the Balkans, we’d get stuck. We need to look to the future now and do everything the opposite of what we’ve been doing so far,” Mickoski said. The opposition leader doesn’t expect miracles to happen regarding the Bulgarian veto against North Macedonia’s accession negotiations with the EU, but he does expect every government in the country to be committed to the country’s strategic interests, and to honor what the majority of MPs adopted in Parliament - the resolution that protects and reaffirms the Macedonian red lines. “I expect the same respect we give to our neighbors. In this regard, every government should focus on solving the problems at home. The bad economic state is truly concerning, as well as the lack of investment and the presence of corruption. Let’s do our homework, it’s the only way to take away the arguments from the hands of those who want to sabotage our European integration. We shouldn’t get stuck in the issues that tear us apart and create conflict, we should work on a new future,” Mickoski said. When asked if VMRO-DPMNE made a mistake to initiate a vote of no confidence against the government, Mickoski said it was the right call because it “made the government’s overall powerlessness surface”. “I knew from the start that the chances are slim, especially given how every democratic move will be put under pressure, threat and blackmail, but I wanted the overall local and international public to see what we’re up against in our homeland. There’s no wrong time to make a move that exposes the government. We showed the capability to unite many subjects that have their differences, but we are united in the efforts to make changes and to bring a new future,” Mickoski said. He believes that failed initiatives are neither a success nor a failure, it’s just “delaying the government’s inevitable downfall”. “In short, the right question is not IF this government will fall, it’s WHEN. We currently have a government backed by MPs secured as a consequence of kidnapping. An MP who changed sides mysteriously vanished, only to reappear afterwards, which means that the political crisis is getting worse,” Mickoski added. Regarding MP Kastriot Rexhepi’s statement that he didn't support the vote of no confidence against the government “as a result of assurances he got from US and EU representatives that the country will get a negotiation date in December and that the Bulgaria dispute will be solved”, Mickoski commented that he doesn’t have such information, nor that anyone from those power centers confirmed this. Mickoski commented on Zaev’s resignation, saying that Zaev’s is not enough, the entire government needs to resign, which would lead to snap elections as the only logical outcome. “We have an unsustainable situation wherein we have a government without a majority of MPs, which additionally costs them legitimacy, declassed in the local elections which were held two weeks ago. Elections are our way to see what the people think of this whole situation. This government can’t handle the emerging energy crisis, as well as the upcoming political crisis. Zaev once again lies to the public, not making good on his promises to leave politics if he loses the local elections. His remaining in politics will only prolong the crisis, and he can’t be the key to any good solution for the country in any segment,” Mickoski said in the interview with “Politika”. dk/ba/