Skopje, 13 July 2023 (MIA) – If it doesn’t accept the constitutional amendments and doesn’t continue down the European path, North Macedonia faces the danger of being isolated, said the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg, at a joint press conference Thursday in Skopje, with his host, Bujar Osmani, and the foreign ministers of Czechia and Slovakia, Jan Lipavský and Miroslav Wlachovský.

“Once negotiations begin, that’s an irreversible process. The country has been waiting 18 years to reach this moment. Now it is up to you to use it. It is necessary to be politically responsible and place the national interests above all else. Now is the moment and I assure you that we are not meddling in the internal affairs of the country,” said Schallenberg.

Schallenberg stressed that a visit of three ministers from three EU member states to a Western Balkan country is not something that happens every day, which, he said, “should be a strong message for you.”

“Our message is simple and strong – it is a message of encouragement, there is no time to waste, we would like you to continue with the necessary constitutional amendments, so you can begin membership negotiations. Postponing the adoption of the amendments means a postponement of North Macedonia’s accession. It would be a shame if Skopje, after running such a difficulty marathon, were to trip up at the next obstacle. We’ve been through a lot together, and we overcame many difficulties,” said Schallenberg.

The Austrian Foreign Minister added that it is the task of all citizens in the country to make sure that the country's efforts aren’t wasted.

“It really is my pleasure and honor to be your host. I interpret your visit as firm, principled support for North Macedonia and its European perspective, support which has never been lacking from your countries,” said Osmani.

Foreign Minister Osmani said that the country finds itself at a crossroad yet again.

“For the first time we have been given the key – so we can unlock the chapters and clusters and successfully continue the negotiations process by ourselves,” said Osmani at the press conference.

The foreign ministers of Austria, Czechia and Slovakia will hold an additional press conference at the Delegation of the European Union in Skopje on Thursday afternoon.

Photo: MIA