Foreign Minister Osmani on Borrell’s Stand and Lavrov Issue

Regarding the stand by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, that the EU wants “to advance the integration of the region into our decision making, including on foreign and security policy, already before accession”, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said on Tuesday it represented acceptance of North Macedonia’s request for candidates to be brought closer before full-fledged membership.

Regarding the OSCE Ministerial Council, he confirmed efforts were underway so that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov could participate.

According to the US Ambassador to the OSCE, Michael Carpenter, Lavrov coming couldn’t be prevented because Russia was an OSCE participating State.