Mitsotakis criticizes Prespa Agreement breach, impacting bilateral relations

07:49 21/5/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed strong disapproval on Monday over the actions of North Macedonia’s new leaders, who omitted the “North” prefix from their country’s name, a requirement under the Prespa Agreement.

The newly inaugurated President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister-designate Hristijan Mickoski, both of the nationalist VMRO party, claimed it was their constitutional

right to use the term “Macedonia” exclusively.

Speaking at the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE) general assembly in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, Mr. Mitsotakis highlighted his party’s opposition to the agreement, which they believe concedes too much to their neighbor regarding the recognition of a Macedonian ethnicity and language.

“Our disapproval was not for lack of wanting a resolution, but because the agreement in question granted our neighbors the Macedonian ethnicity and language,” Mr. Mitsotakis said.

The Greek leader also addressed the rise of nationalism in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, and the Greek government’s cautious stance on the memoranda accompanying the Prespa Agreement, which have yet to be ratified by Greece’s Parliament.

The Greek leader warned that the path of North Macedonia towards European integration passes through Greece and could be jeopardized by such actions.

Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the Prespa Agreement cannot be altered or nullified unilaterally, as it forms the foundation of the international relationship with North Macedonia.

He reassured that Greece respects the electoral outcome in North Macedonia, despite any ideological or political differences with the new administration regarding the agreement.

The recent actions by North Macedonia’s leadership have strained the relations between the two countries.

Greece has warned that it could block North Macedonia’s EU membership if the Prespa Agreement violations continue.

The agreement, seen as a cornerstone of stability and cooperation in the region, has been undermined by the nationalist rhetoric, causing concern in Athens and potentially halting North Macedonia’s path to European integration.

The issue has also delayed the ratification of the Prespa-related memoranda in the Greek Parliament, with Foreign Minister Gerapetritis stating that Greece will proceed with ratification once North Macedonia fully complies with its international commitments.

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