Borissov: We Acted towards Skopje by Principles, not with Stubbornness

Bulgarian PM Boyko Borissov said during a session of the Bulgarian government that it was Bulgaria that wanted the integration of Macedonia in the EU the most of all member-states. “Our position is not one of stubbornness, but rather one of principles that reflect the interest of the Bulgarian people. We were very concerned and cautions in the dialogues we had with official Skopje in order to explain to them how far we are ready to go with compromises. We are very sorry that Skopje failed to demonstrate dedication to the processes, and that it believed that with pressures and lobbying can force Bulgaria to change its positions,” Borissov said. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said in an address before the Bulgarian Parliament that Sofia cannot approve the start of the first inter-governmental session between Skopje and Brussels until the political narratives in Macedonia are changed. “Skopje is yet to properly implement the Good-neighbourliness Agreement. In North Macedonia there is still a totalitarian mindset among the people and the government, proof of which are the observed jubilees dedicated to communist dictator Josip Broz – Tito. However, we leave our doors open and are ready for negotiations with North Macedonia for their accession in the EU,” Zaharieva said.