Osmani and Dimitrov unanimous: Macedonia deserves date for EU and NATO accession talks

Vice-Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani and Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov had a working meeting Monday with the Ambassadors of EU member states to Macedonia, organized by Bulgaria’s Ambassador Ivan Petkov Velkov.

The gathering was focused on political developments related to Macedonia’s EU-integration process, and in this respect to the conclusions of the recent EU-Western Balkans in Sofia, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release.

For a period of one year Macedonia has been fully committed to the Euro-Atlantic agenda, successfully implementing the reform plan 3-6-9, thus restoring the confidence of both the citizens and the international partners in the country’s European perspective, Osmani said at the meeting.

Macedonia has demonstrated seriousness and maturity on the road to EU, which should bring results, namely the European Council this June to set a date for the country to commence the accession negotiations, while NATO to issue membership invitation at the upcoming summit in July, Osmani said.

Next few weeks are vital for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic prospect, FM Dimitrov told the EU ambassadors.

‘We are faced with decisive moment that should acknowledge the country’s capacity to deal with the most delicate political situation for the last 15 years,’ Dimitrov said.

Considering its achievements the time has come for Macedonia to start the EU journey in order to become a strong European democracy, compete in reforms and economy with other countries; and along with its partners to deal with challenges to domestic, global security, Dimitrov said.

‘Macedonia has demonstrated a sincere approach and seriousness that should be appropriately recognized at the European Council meeting this June with a decision for launching the EU accession talks, as well as an invitation for NATO membership at the Alliance Summit in July,’ Dimitrov said.