Skopje, 2 February 2024 (MIA) - Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani says passports with the old name will not be valid after February 12. Citizens who must return to the country but have not replaced their passports should be in communication with diplomatic-consular offices for the next steps.

"I was criticized a few days ago for being brutally honest with the citizens by saying that people should not be lied to, because the Prespa Agreement cannot be changed. The opposition leader said they would submit a motion to the Constitutional Court but they afterwards retracted and said reorganization is required so that citizens get the required support. A team within the ministry will receive calls in order to tell citizens what to do next," FM Osmani told TV21.

According to him, Greece has informed all countries that the passport with the old name will be invalid after February 12.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already in communication with all diplomatic-consular offices and we are working in two shifts so that we support those who will have to return to the country," adds Osmani.

A Government working group has been set up to find solutions, with several options emerging in the meantime, from compensation for those who replaced their valid documents because of the Prespa Agreement, up to reorganization of services.

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