"The inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of North Macedonia is not up to me. If I were an absolute monarch, I would say that I would change the constitution. The deputies are sent by the citizens who vote by conscience. I cannot suspend parliamentary democracy".
This is what macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said after her meeting with her Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev, BGNES reported.
In order to start negotiations for membership in the European Union, North Macedonia must change its Constitution. This is part of the negotiating framework that has been approved by all EU member states.
"We have united around the most important thing - European integration, around the Copenhagen criteria, around the regional approach to solving problems, around the fact that we will not repeat mistakes and we will follow the path of compromise and a united solution, without anyone feeling harmed and without anyone thinking they have been forgotten," Siljanovska added.
She expressed condolences for the two pilots who died today in the crash at Graf Ignatievo airbase.
"I would like to start with a deep expression of sympathy in connection with the plane crash and the two pilots who died. To be sincere, even listening to the opera Nabucco takes on a new dimension. I completely understand the President (Radev) and his wife not being able to accompany me to the opera. Once again it has been proved that we are neighbours for a reason, destiny has destined us to live together. Once again it has been proved that when you sit down to talk, guided by good will, you will make a big step towards common important decisions. I am not here by chance, I came to talk. Now I expect the President (Radev) to come to Skopje. Today's conversation has convinced me that a pleasant atmosphere will be born, which will take on flesh. I cannot say that this will happen tomorrow, but it is important to start. I am sure that, as I have already said 100 times, thought can be faster than light. If we listen to each other, honor each other and have the will to understand each other, then we will find a solution," the macedonian president said.
At the same time, Minister of Culture Naiden Todorov "held a protocol meeting" with his colleague from North Macedonia Zoran Lutkov. | BGNES
