Skopje, 12 June 2023 (MIA) - VMRO-DPMNE will wait a few more days for an answer from SDSM regarding the proposals I put forward at the leaders' meeting and if this opportunity is missed, it will become clear that the process is completely stuck, with elections being the only logical solution, says VMRO-DPMNE Hristijan Mickoski in an interview with Deutsche Welle.

"We are waiting for an answer. It is unproductive and meaningless to continue with any talks or working groups if they do not agree with the proposals we put forward. We will wait a few more days. Instead of wasting energy on laying down feathers, they need productive meetings and a position," says Mickoski.

The VMRO-DPMNE leader says SDSM is aware of what he offered at last week's meeting but is trying to manipulate "by presenting false information and word inputs".

"This means lack of will to make a real breakthrough with a solution that will protect the identity, and a real and swift integration of the country," says Mickoski.

According to him, the goal of the proposals presented by him "was to come to a solution that will not harm citizens and Macedonia's future".

"I regret that SDSM is missing a big and historic opportunity," says Mickoski and assesses that VMRO-DPMNE has demonstrated constructiveness that the authorities cannot validate.

The opposition leader adds that his offer at the meeting represents "a change of circumstances, protection of the national interests and European integration".

"The first proposal I presented was a transitional government without DUI and constitutional changes that would enter into force when the country's EU accession negotiations are completed. The second proposal is elections, guarantees for the national identity and language, economic package and protection of Macedonians in Bulgaria through implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. And changes by a DUI-less government, supported by the opposition. What Kovachevski offered are constitutional amendments under Bulgarian dictate and a broad government with DUI. There is no point of VMRO-DPMNE coming to power in some kind of broad government but building a process and a pact of national unity in order to protect the national interests," says Mickoski.

Asked whether he has been in communication with representatives of the international community after the leaders' meeting and their stance about the situation, the VMRO-DPMNE leader says the party is in continual communication with them but refrained from interpreting their position, adding, "I leave this to them".

On DUI's acceptance to leave the government once the constitutional revision enters into force and their demand for vetting of all officials, including leaders, representatives and MPs of all political parties, Mickoski says Ali Ahmeti's party is in no position to set conditions and the sooner it goes into opposition, "the better for Macedonia prospects".

"DUI and Ali Ahmeti are not the ones to decide if DUI leaves the government. SDSM should step forward and accept the extended hand for a transitional government," says Mickoski and agrees to be the first who would be vetted.

Photo: Deutsche Welle