Macedonian Govt spokesman: We don't need fake debates with Greece

The Republic of Macedonia will not allow to be involved in any unfitted outwitting and debates aimed at defocusing the public from the essence of our relations and it is necessity in finding a solution to decade-long dispute which is imposed by our southern neighbour, a solution to the name dispute, said Aleksandar Gjorgjiev, Government’s Spokesperson, at Saturday’s press conference, regarding current events related to Macedonian – Greek relations in light of statements of Greek officials.

We behave responsibly and committedly to the relations with Greece and the dispute which is imposed by Greece and it is an important issue that should be resolved aimed at enabling our integration and realisation of strategic determination in order to improve situation of the citizens at all levels, Gjorgjiev said.

He calls Greece on constructive relations and channelling energy in positive direction.

We are prepared for dialogue, talks, arguments, meetings at any level, direct and under UN sponsorship aimed at improving our relations and surpassing open issues, Gjorgjiev said.

Reminding that a lot of time passed without any serious reactions from Greek side in regard to name issue, Gjorgjiev appealed for responsible conduct for resolving with equal seriousness, without additional search of excuses and alibis. Any other discussions would be comprehended as an attempt to avoid finding a solution to name dispute.

By this statement we are emphasising our commitment and efforts in finding a solution as soon as possible, a solution that would be acceptable for both sides and for the citizens of the two countries, without winners and defeated. In function to productive cooperation and communication, we suggest meetings for improvement of dialogue and strengthening the confidence between the officials of the two countries at all levels, something that we have made efforts many times and we reaffirm it once again, Gjorgjiev said.

He suggested realisation of initiatives, which would be useful both for citizens and companies of the two countries.

The initiative for signing a declaration for friendship and cooperation from 2008, establishment joint committee which will include representatives of the Interior Ministries of the two countries, border police and customs from 2009, as well ad agreed regulation of economic cooperation by signing double taxation avoidance agreement from 2009 are only part of the initiatives from Macedonian side, for which Greece responded negatively or gave no answer.

Gjorgjiev expressed hope that approach to such initiatives will be changed and European spirit will be showed and at the same time would mean practicing good-neighbourliness.

Aimed at concrete improvement of conditions for cooperation of citizens and businesses of the two countries, and led by EU principle for free access of people, services, goods and capital, Macedonia proposes opening new border crossing Nikolik – Dojrani as significantly important for the business, Gjorgjiev said.

Also opening of Markova Noga – German border crossing and reactivation of Seovo border crossing which is an initiative of the municipalities of Gevgelija and Aksiopoli (Bojmica) is also proposed.

These initiatives are not priority for Greece, is the received answer, although acceptance and realisation of initiatives will have direct importance for improvement of the trade exchange, visits, tourism and many other benefits for the citizens and companies of the two countries.

Concrete and above all positive response to our initiatives and starting the processes for their realisation will be the only and indisputable indicator that Greece wants to create positive climate and atmosphere with its neighbour, important for surpassing all challenges and realisation of our regional Euro-Atlantic integrations which will provide safety, stability and conditions for additional development, Gjorgjiev said.

Let’s begin with these concrete initiatives, appeals Government’s Spokesperson, emphasising that only by a positive response Greece will show that behaves committedly with sense of responsibility towards the region and toward the NATO and EU enlargement as they urge in their strategy.