Skopje, 30 October 2022 (MIA) – VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski, who alongside Levica leader Dimitar Apasiev is attending Sunday’s opening of the Macedonian culture club in the Bulgarian city of Blagoevgrad, told reporters that the self-determination right is guaranteed by all international acts that should be respected by all, primarily members of the European Union. “We are here to send a message that we are Macedonians speaking the Macedonian language and coming from Macedonia. No one should have any doubts about this or discuss this in the 21st century. The self-determination right should be respected and our right to declare ourselves as Macedonians is guaranteed by all international acts,” said Mickoski prior to the club’s opening. Asked why the rights of Bulgarian Macedonians are not respected, the VMRO-DPMNE leader said the Macedonian Constitution guarantees the rights of all minorities living in the country and the act is in line with all international norms and standards. “The question is why the right of Macedonians in Bulgaria is not recognized. Every minority in Macedonia has its own rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The recent Census showed that 1,500 citizens had the right to declare themselves as being Bulgarians,” said Mickoski. He also referred to the fact that there had been no Macedonians holding Bulgarian passports prior to Bulgaria’s EU accession. “Have you ever asked the question why there had been no Macedonians holding Bulgarian passports prior to Bulgaria’s EU accession. Economic circumstances might have led to the decision of some to do this,” added Mickoski.