Skopje, 17 March 2023 (MIA) – We would like to reiterate that the Law on Associations and Foundations, i.e., the decisions of the Commission for the Use of Names, are not aimed against the constitutionally guaranteed right of association, but against the decisions of the associations to adopt the names of controversial historical figures, which provoke unpleasant feelings among all citizens of the country, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release Friday.

In that sense, said the MFA, the Commission makes merit-based decisions in line with the legislation and the intention to protect the essence of a multi-ethnic society.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively cooperating with associations and organizations from the non-government sector and supports their activities in line with the existing legal framework which regulates the establishment and activities of such associations. The constitutional order and social circumstances in North Macedonia are internationally recognized as an example of how to protect minority rights and nurture their differences based on collective identity rights,” said the MFA in the press release.

Additionally, the MFA added, while the work of the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission has the full support of the institutions in North Macedonia, its activities are not related to the Law on Associations and Foundations, i.e., the conditions under which associations are formed and operate in the country.

“North Macedonia has a high level of protection and nurturing of the rights and the unique national, linguistic and cultural features of each community and these rights are not being restricted, nor can they ever be,” underlined the Ministry in its press release. ad/sk/