/ world today news/ The European Union can be a mediator and actively participate in the negotiation process with the Republic of North Macedonia, but without the consent of both parties, there is no way to reach a lasting solution. There is no getting around the bilateral resolution of the problem points. This was stated by the head of the Bulgarian Socialists in the EP, Petar Vitanov, to radio “Focus”.
“The Bulgarian government has clearly stated its 5+1 demands to lift the veto and for the Republic of North Macedonia to take the path of its integration. I have never claimed that we should not admit the Republic of North Macedonia to the EU, but that this should not happen without being able to keep those demands that all parties had put forward within the framework of the 44th National Assembly. As an analyst, I can say that I do not see how a majority will be gathered for a cardinal change in Bulgaria’s position,” added the MEP.
Petar Vitanov is convinced that Bulgaria’s relations with the Republic of North Macedonia must be restored through real integration, related to deepening of ties in transport, economy, culture, and every sphere of public life.
The representative of the Socialists commented on the war with Ukraine as well as the topic of whether Bulgaria should send military aid.
“Currently, there are only two countries in the European Union that refuse to send weapons to Ukraine – they are Hungary and Bulgaria. I do not think that if we send ammunition, we would take sides in the war, but I also do not think that the Bulgarian society would accept such a decision with understanding. According to a recent sociological survey, only 16% of Bulgarians support sending weapons to Ukraine. “Abstracting from the position of the BSP, because it is clear, I think that public opinion should be taken into account,” said the socialist.
On the occasion of the incident with Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova and the possibility of her being declared persona non-grata, he expressed fears that this would lead to a shrinking of the opportunities for diplomacy.
“It is clear that some of the statements of the ambassador of the Russian Federation were unmeasured and did not correspond to her position, just as it is clear that such a move is aimed at putting pressure on Russia. But if we expel the ambassador, we minimize the possibility of dialogue that someone else will have to conduct on our behalf. Still only one country in the EU that has taken such a measure. The 26 affected countries believe, and this is also the position of the Bulgarian MEPs, that this war will not have a military solution, but only a diplomatic solution”.
Vitanov also commented on the first hundred days of the government and the role of BSP in governance.
“Unprecedented crises have befallen us, which are not the result of a short-sighted government, but have a European character – inflation, the price of energy carriers, and now the war, which has extremely severe social and economic consequences. The fact is that there is impoverishment, that people expect more, and there is accumulated dissatisfaction. But I think that with all its internal problems, the BSP still brings a drop of sanity to the rest of the coalition partners, some of whom are quite inexperienced. The fact that you are successful in your profession does not at all mean that you are a good politician,” Vitanov also said.
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