• Tuesday, 02 July 2024

Osmani: Constitutional changes to enable continuation of EU path

Osmani: Constitutional changes to enable continuation of EU path

Skopje, 17 September 2023 (MIA) - The constitutional revision is the issue that will unstick the process and ensure the country to continue on the EU path. I think we should go out before the citizens and show that we are standing behind their will to join the European Union, says Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

In an interview with Frontline and Civil Media, FM Osmani says the opposition is using a partisan agenda, putting the country's European perspective in the function of the next elections.

"There are political parties that have persistently put brakes on this process and that is why I believe we should go out with a clear message before the citizens: do you support political structures that want the country to join the EU or those who think other structures are better, such as the meeting of the leaders of North Korea and Russia, i.e. an alternative to the EU? Therefore, now is the time for all political parties who aspire for EU accession to be part of the European front. Let the others create their own front and then citizens can choose," says Osmani.

According to him, North Macedonia is too small, too dependent, too vulnerable without the EU system, something that even bigger countries in the Union have realized.

On the "Front for Europe", an idea promoted by DUI leader Ali Ahmeti, the FM says there are coordination activities with all political parties at a national level, regardless of ethnic or any other background.

"Of course, we are working with political parties of Albanians that promote EU accession, and as elections come closer, then the front could enlarge with other parties," notes Osmani.

He does not exclude the option of the "Front for Europe" having a joint candidate at next year's presidential elections.

"We already had that at the last elections, when the incumbent head of state was a joint candidate of SDSM and DUI. This is a precedent that many countries would want to have - one candidate promoted by the two largest ethnic communities. I think this is truly one of the biggest achievements of a multiethnic society and a good example that might repeat," underlines Osmani.

Photo: MIA archive