Athens, 5 June 2024 (MIA) — Once again Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has sent a message to VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski that he should categorically state, when he officially becomes prime minister, that he would honor the Prespa Agreement; otherwise, Mitsotakis said, the only thing Mickoski can expect is "an unpleasant first experience" at the NATO summit in early July, MIA's Athens correspondent reports.

In an interview for Antena TV's central news on Wednesday evening, Greece's PM spoke about bilateral and regional relations, the Prespa Agreement, and the EU perspective of the Western Balkans.

"Regarding Skopje, North Macedonia, my message to the prime minister designate is very clear. The pre-election period is over. The Prespa Agreement had many problems for us, but the main achievement was one name for all, erga omnes, and this must be honored. He should give a categorical statement, when he officially assumes the office of prime minister, that he will honor the Prespa Agreement," Mitsotakis said.

As for what would happen otherwise, he said there would be "an unpleasant first experience" when he raises the issue at the NATO Summit in early July.

Pointing out that Greeks considered "the people of North Macedonia to be friendly people," he said they should know that if ultimately "they want to get closer to Europe, the road to Europe goes through Greece and through good relations with Greece," adding that the same applied to Albania.

Asked if there was any possibility of Greece blocking the path of the two countries to the EU, Mitsotakis said this would not be necessary.

"I don't think it will be necessary to get to that point, because I'm sure logic will prevail. I think I was absolutely clear," Mitsotakis said. mr/