Governments want name solution, Silegov tells “Dokumento”


It is better to solve problems than ignore them, Skopje Mayor Petre Silegov tells Greek newspaper “Documento”, MIA reports from Athens.

“When you want to solve a problem you do that. At this time I see that both governments are committed to solving the problem,” says Silegov.

Asked about possible constitutional changes urged by Greece, the Skopje mayor explains there is an article in the constitution saying Macedonia has no territorial pretensions to neighboring countries.

“We changed our constitution regarding this issue back in 1992. Our constitution has no provision supporting this, but of course there is an article saying we have no territorial pretensions to any country. Therefore, this should not represent a threat to anyone in Greece,” says Silegov.

Regarding the statement of former President Kiro Gligorov that Macedonians are Slavs who came after the Alexander the Great, Silegov says he prefers to see Alexander as a leader who civilized the entire world.

“Alexander the Great was never a part of our regular history. He was included in our history instruction books over the past decade. Basically, when referring to this type of ethnic affiliation, states and nations, it encompasses the last 300 years, while Alexander the Great lived 2,300 years ago. I prefer to look at him as a leader who civilized the entire world,” he explains.

According to him, communication is the best bridge of friendship among peoples, because many stereotypes disappear when people get to know each other better, “thus understanding that we have the same problems and share the same values.”