Skopje, 3 July 2022 (MIA) – The most important issue – Macedonian language and Macedonian identity – have been secured in the negotiating framework and thus recognized and accepted by the EU. This is first and foremost, says former prime minister Zoran Zaev. “The protocol the Government would sign with Bulgaria elaborates the path to overcoming open issues that can be resolved. Building good and friendly relations with neighbors is crucial for peace, stability and prosperity of a region such as the Western Balkans. Therefore, both countries have to work on closing open issues,” Zaev wrote in a Facebook post. He adds t is very important to maintain the national dignity of both sides in the discussions. “Friendship is created and built when both sides address each other’s concerns. The Macedonian side has politicians who I am certain will undertake guarantees and obligations to represent our interests in a dignified and constructive manner,” says Zaev. He claims that the start of the negotiations with a verified and unchallenged Macedonian language in the European Union is another identity win for the Macedonianism. On the implementation of the Friendship Treaty and the Prespa Agreement, the ex-PM expresses assurance that “it would be better for us to sit on the table in the European institutions and be the ones who ask for their complete fulfillment, since both treaties the Macedonian language and the Macedonian nation.” According to him, another important part of the French proposal is the introduction of Bulgarians, Croats and Montenegrins in the Constitution. “We already have seven ethnic communities listed in our Constitution. The revision will add three more. It is only out of spite, bad intent or personal political profit that someone can be against the introduction of three new communities in the Constitution. Opposing multiculturalism goes against the European integration of our homeland,” notes Zaev. He expects constructive consultations and support for the proposal by all responsible politicians and citizens. “This proposal is already supported by the whole of Europe and experience has taught us that each coming proposal will probably be more difficult to accept. Everyone knows that the Macedonian people have never gotten anything the easy way, but have fought by making smart and wise decisions. Let’s be smart and wise and continue to move forward as Macedonians with a recognized Macedonian language and identity, with an own Macedonian state integrated in Euro-Atlantic alliances as a strategic commitment of the entire nation, of all ethnic communities,” underlines Zaev.