TIRANA, June 8 /ATA/ – Albania has fulfilled all the conditions for the first intergovernmental conference with the European Union, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated in his remarks at joint press conference with Bulgaria’s caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev in Sofia on Tuesday.
The government head stated following bilateral meeting with Bulgarian counterpart that “it is absolutely crucial to see this issue resolved.”
“We are aware this is a very sensitive issue here, as well as in the fraternal country of North Macedonia. However, we are involuntarily involved in all this, as you all know that both Albania and North Macedonia expect the European Council’s decision on formally opening the accession talks through the first intergovernmental conference,” Rama said.
However – Rama went on saying – “I strongly believe there is sufficient potential for the two countries to enhance communication, dialogue and resolve this issue jointly.”
“There are many things that bring the two nations and people both in Bulgaria and Macedonia together as two countries with a common future. Regardless of how difficult such issues can be, there is always a solution when there is good will,” he stated.
“I know that a caretaker government with a very clear activity framework is currently governing Bulgaria. The country is about to hold elections and such issues tend to become even more difficult. However, I believe that Bulgaria, as a EU member state is mature to recall the time when for various reasons once found itself in same position and work together with North Macedonia do get out of this situation. This is my approach to this issue,” Rama said.
Speaking about Albanian-Bulgarian ties, PM Rama appreciated Bulgarian PM for highlighting the fact that Albania is a model in treating ethnic minorities.
“We feel good that after an initiative we launched few years ago, our legislation on ethnic minorities is at an excellence level in full compliance with the principles and the standards of the European Council and the EU,” he went on saying.
According to Rama, “it is really significant how a small ethnic minority serves as linking bridge between the two nations.”
Bulgaria’s caretaker PM Janev noted that Bulgaria’s position towards North Macedonia represents somehow an obstacle to a faster progress for Albania.
He praised Albania and the government’s role in integrating Bulgarian minorities.0
Yanev stressed Bulgaria’s consistent and active support for Albania’s European perspective. The Bulgarian head of government welcomed Albania’s resolve to make progress in the EU reform programme and achieve positive results in key areas in this respect.
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