Skopje, 5 April 2023 (MIA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said late Wednesday the process of constitutional changes is North Macedonia's internal matter, a task related to the European Union accession negotiations.

 

The Parliament is expected to adopt that decision, a sovereign decision in the long-term interest of the citizens of North Macedonia represented in the Parliament. In this context, there is no possibility or political will for involvement of citizens or institutions from abroad, including from the Republic of Bulgaria. Such request has neither arrived nor has been discussed by ministers Osmani and Milkov, the MFA said in a press release.

 

It adds that North Macedonia remains committed to continued political dialogue with Bulgaria, in the spirit of good neighborliness and the Friendship Treaty, in hope that the new Bulgarian government will be formed as soon as possible.

 

Earlier today, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nikolay Milkov told a press briefing that Bulgaria would want to be involved and consulted in the process of incorporating Bulgarians in the Constitution of North Macedonia.

"As far as we know, some options on the future wording of the Constitution are already discussed there. We would like to be part of that process and consulted on those issues," said Milkov.

He expects an answer from Skopje and continuation of talks towards reducing tensions, BNR reports.

"I talked to Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani yesterday and I hope they will respond. We want tensions to calm down without harming the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia. This dialogue should continue as long as there is will on their part. In this regard, we are extending our hand for discussions on the changes they are making," said Milkov.