VMRO-DPMNE, SDSM, ZNAM, Levica, and Democratic Union Attend MAEI Meeting in Korce

At a meeting in Korce, Macedonian Alliance for European Integration (MAEI) called for support from parties from North Macedonia over its Draft-Strategy on Protection of the Macedonian minority in Albania.

The meeting, attended by representatives of VMRO-DPMNE, SDSM, ZNAM, Levica, and Democratic Union, saw calls to defend the identity of Macedonians in Albania, who, as they said, are facing an aggressive policy of Bulgarisation and assimilation.

MAEI called for a declaration to be adopted in Parliament to prevent that process.

MAEI’s stand is also that there should be official registration of the Macedonian minority in areas where it exists yet hasn’t been recognised, opening of Macedonian-language schools in Golo Brdo and Gora, textbooks in Macedonian, and scholarships.

Also, it urged economic support, full opening of the Dzepiste-Trebiste crossing, support for events of culture, and opening of a consulate general in Korce. In addition, MAEI believes procedures to obtain Macedonian citizenship should be simplified. The care for Macedonians in Albania is a national interest that transcends party differences, it was pointed out at the meeting.

“We, as the opposition, strongly support them and continue to act in their interest to oppose any assimilation attempt”, SDSM’s Metodija Ilievski said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Zoran Dimitrovski stated that a new diaspora strategy was being prepared said money was the main issue.

“If the financial standing of Macedonians in Albania is good, they will not obtain Bulgarian passports and emigrate”, Dimitrovski noted, stressing also that projects should be sought with the EU.