MEPs Call for Macedonia Accession Talks, Criticize It for Neighbor Issues

MEPs called for an early start of membership talks with Macedonia at the European Parliament's plenary session on Wednesday.

However, they did not spare their criticism and called for a joint resolution of all problems with its neighbors before its accession to the bloc.

At the proposal of Andrey Kovatchev, head of the Bulgarian delegation in the EPP Group, key recommendations were included in the resolution to our western neighbor, on the rights of the Bulgarians in Macedonia and the need for objective reading of history.

According to the Bulgarian MEP, it is an undeniable fact that "good neighborly relations are key to the Macedonia's European integration and therefore the country should not continue to build its identity at the expense of the history and culture of their neighbors."

"This resolution of the European Parliament is the first expressing concern for those citizens of Macedonia who openly declare their Bulgarian identity or ethnic origin. It is necessary the Skopje authorities to listen to the recommendations and to respect the freedom of conscience and self-determination of each citizen the way he believes it is, " Kovatchev declared.

The voted document expresses disappointed by the lack of progress in the celebration of common historical events and personalities between Macedonia and their neighbors. According to the Bulgarian MEP, "Macedonia should read their history objectively, in cooperation with its neighbors, in order to break with the shadows of the past and turn to the European future."

At the debate in plenary, held earlier Wednesday, Andrey Kovatchev expressed his hope that Macedonia will abandon its ethno-ideological mythology and will work to build bridges with its neighbors.

"Such bridges are common celebration of historical events and the termination of hatred speech to neighboring countries especially in the media and textbooks. The continued propagation of mono-ethnic historical myths and legends, the promotion of pseudo-scientific developments, the financing of propaganda films such as "Third Half" ultimately deepens both the conflicts in country as well as with its neighbors. With great concern we observe the growing ethnic tensions in the country in recent days."

The resolution encourages Macedonia to continue the process of opening the files of the Yugoslav communist secret services and authorize the committee having this task, freely to announce the results of its inquiries and have all the records necessary for her work

According to Kovachev, "the European integration is the only way to overcome the injustices of the past."

The European Commission launched a high-level dialogue for the acception of the country in united Europe. Brussels plans to be discussed topics related to the rule of law, media freedom and public administration reform.

The formal dialogue does not replace membership talks, but rather aims to support the reforms in Macedonia. Its beginning is to be given this week in Skopje during the planned visit of the Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule in the country.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!