Merkel: There is no threat, open the doors of the EU

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the Macedonian to use the democratic chance with the September 30th referendum and say what kind of future they want.

“No one is threatening the Macedonian citizens with isolation. They can and should decide for themselves on the future of the state. The future can be NATO membership and becoming part of the EU if you have success in the referendum on September 30th. But, of course, it should be noted that there are certain preconditions that need to be met, “Chancellor Merkel said at a press conference in the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, in her first official visit to Macedonia.

Merkel clearly indicated that the name issue and the issue of EU membership were related.

“It is an issue that is not related to the Government but with all member states having to agree with it. People on September 30th have the opportunity just as they did 27 years ago to vote whether they want to belong to the EU and NATO family, which requires simultaneous acceptance of the Treaty with Greece, “Merkel said at a joint press conference with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

She came out with a clear political message – the citizens should not stay home on September 30th, because it is a historic day on which citizens should take the chance to open the doors of the European Union.

Prime Minister Zaev welcomed Merkel as the first German chancellor to come to Macedonia on a big day like Independence Day. In addition, he thanked for the open support that Germany, as one of the biggest supporters of our Euro-Atlantic integration, has given in its bilateral and multilateral relations.

“The support we receive is enormous and friendly in our efforts to build a prosperous European society. That is why we are encouraged to make the historic step forward, “Zaev said, adding that Macedonia still has homework to do” and that is the acceleration of the reforms.

Merkel replied that she will not meet with President Gjorge Ivanov the same day, but she was to meet the leader of the opposition, to whom she will convey the same messages that she addressed to Prime Minister Zaev.

 Photo by B.Grdanoski