Before Thursday's visit to Skopje by the head of Greek diplomacy, Nikos Kotzias, the Macedonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Dimitrov, stated that Macedonia remains committed to building good relations with neighboring countries, especially with Greece, with which over For two decades there has been a dispute over the name issue.
According to what Dimitrov says, it is important to establish open relations and determine what is important for Greece, but also for Macedonia.
He emphasized that Skopje demands the unblocking of Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration process, blocked by Greece, based on the temporary agreement between the two countries, until a final agreement on the constitutional name of Macedonia is reached.
But what stands out in his statement is that Macedonia seems ready to accept NATO membership, even under the name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
"The Republic of Macedonia, in accordance with the interim agreement, is ready to accept the invitation to be admitted to NATO with the temporary reference, with which it has also been admitted to the UN, under the name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This is also in accordance with the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. We are convinced that this would create a greater understanding in our opinion, since the multi-year blockade does not help the constructiveness between the two countries", stated Dimitrov.
The Macedonian Foreign Minister further said that his country does not want to start a blame game with Greece, because Macedonia's membership in NATO means an alliance between the two countries.
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"Our position has been in ruins in recent years. We have done a lot during these two and a half months, since the formation of the new government, but we still need a lot to do, to return our old friends, to make new friends and to give facts that we are not the problem. The main goal for us remains stability in the region, so that the region can be the home of everyone, of a united and stable Europe", stated Dimitrov.
The US ambassador in Skopje, Jess Bailey, also participated in the conference dedicated to NATO membership, who gave full support to Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration process.
"Macedonia is contributing to global and regional stability. We know your road to NATO is frustrating at times, but you persevered. Here is the support of the opinion and of all ethnic communities for your membership in NATO. We hope that such an attitude will continue, we support you and I believe that one day we will welcome you as a new member of NATO", stated Baily.
