Zaev for Efimerida ton Syntakton: There can be sincere friendship between the two countries and peoples
“But I am also concerned, because the MPs have the final say. Me and my good friend Alexis took decisions and assumed the political risk because we believe this is the right decision for our countries,” says Zaev and adds that latest statistical data show that bilateral trade over the past 10 months has increased by almost 19 percent.
Regarding the process in Macedonia, he is not sure how many MPs will vote Yes, but believes the number will exceed 80.
“Of course, the process is carried put in consultation with the Greek government, in the spirit of the Prespa Agreement, the only goal being reinforcement of our friendship,” notes Zaev.
He sends a message to the Greek citizens that decisions by Macedonian institutions are taken once and for all.
“The process in our countries is irreversible. There is no option for someone to alter the Prespa Agreement. First of all, this is a law and constitutional revision. We have changed our Constitution because we believe in a better future for our citizens and the region in general, but also to send a message of a European Balkans with Greece at its helm,” says Zaev.
He also refers to the oppositions in both countries and their identical positions.
“Same criticism, as if they are twins. Our opposition wants the agreement to go through so that it can criticize us. I respect Mr. Mitsotakis like any other Greek politician. Why shouldn’t he give the agreement a chance by supporting it? But maybe he will support our NATO membership,” says Zaev and adds that the absence of an agreement in the past did not result in anything positive, harming both countries.
According to him, Tsipras sent a positive message to Macedonia when he assumed the PM’s post in Greece.
“These messages heralded a positive atmosphere and pushed ministers Kotzias and Dimitrov to sit down and start the talks. Then, in Davos, Alexis and I supported and encouraged the process, opened our souls and became very good friends in just a couple of hours. We are often discussing the love we have for our countries, and the belief that this newly-fund friendship will yield only positive results and a better future for the people in both countries,” says Zaev.
On Russia, the PM says Macedonia wants good relations with Moscow, but 80 percent of the country’s citizens favor Euro-Atlantic integration.
“We want peace by joining NATO. We want peace for our country, the entire region, taking part in peacekeeping missions across the globe in the fight against terrorism, radicalism and extremism,” stresses Zaev.
He says Serbia and Kosovo can use the Prespa Agreement model, ‘a tool that the entire world can benefit from’.
“We were cautious in taking every single decision, without insulting either side. This is the friendly way of doing it. This model can be used not only by Serbia and Kosovo, but also other regions across the globe,” says Zaev.
On the Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Zaev texted Tsipras saying it is a great honor, to which the Greek PM responded “the biggest reward for us is our friendship and the better future for our countries and citizens.”
“I will do everything to show Greece the practical benefits of the agreement. My term ends in 2020 and I will dedicate a lot of time to highlighting the positives of the deal,” notes Zaev.