In order to avoid jeopardizing the perspectives of the Republic of North Macedonia and its citizens, it now high time to take on constructive role and for the opposition to participate in adopting the Draft Law on Public Prosecution, in order to move things forward in the wake of EU’s announcements for decision on negotiations. This is the message sent on today’s joint press conference of Zoran Zaev, President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and Acting Assistance Secretary on European and Eurasian Affairs Reeker Philip T. Reeker.

Before the press-conference there was a work meeting within the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, attended by Deputy President of the Government in charge of European Affairs, Bujar Osmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Dimitrov and Minister of Justice, Renata Deskoska. At the press conference Prime Minister Zaev underlined that on this meeting with Ambassador Reeker, both parties have reaffirmed the shared interest on further intensification of the bilateral political and economic cooperation based on the Declaration of Strategic Partnership between North Macedonia and the USA and for realization of jointly shared valued and efforts for security, freedom and democratic prosperity in the region. 

“As partners, we share and we jointly create activities in fight against terrorism and other threats on peace and security in the world. We are jointly welcoming the successes of both countries, and we are looking forward to the perspectives that are opening with our country’s soon full-fledged NATO membership. So far 21 countries have ratified the NATO Accession Protocol. The United States of America has initiated this process in their Senate and we expect that by September or October this process will be completed”, underscored at the press-conference Prime Minister Zaev and he added that the support from the USA in our EU membership aspirations is of exceptional importance to our country. 

Furthermore, the President of the Government Zaev said that the country is fully committed to the reform agenda of the EU and has delivered concrete results in 4 areas as was requested in the conclusions of the Council of EU in June 2018, in cooperation with the opposition. 

“We are open to, and we constantly reiterate this, making the last step together with the opposition in adopting the draft Law on Public Prosecution, in order to show the international community that we are united when it comes to our strategic interests. All indications show that in October we will have the long-awaited decision for start of negotiations. No one wants new disappointments and failed promises. Neither in the EU, nor at home, nor in the region. Everyone expects the recognition for fulfilled democratic reforms, for the best possible solutions on issues with neighbours and for the determination of our country to be part of the Western democratic world. This is our path; this is the good path”, said Prime Minister Zaev on the joint press-conference with Ambassador Philip T. Reeker, Acting Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia. 

Ambassador Reeker, on his part, informed of the NATO Accession Protocol for the Republic of North Macedonia and its ratification within the Committee on Foreign Relations in the US Senate and added that soon the Senate will accept this ratification on a plenary session and that this comes as a recognition to the accomplishments made by the country in the past two years. 

The Acting Assistance Secretary for Europe and Eurasia, Reeker, underscored that the USA encourage all EU member-states to open negotiations with North Macedonia this fall and in that direction, the adoption of the Law on Public Prosecution, supported by the opposition within the Parliament, will be another contribution to the legal state and the rule of law.

We present you the address of the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia:

I have just met Ambassador Reeker, Acting Assistance Secretary for European and Euroasian Affairs and a great friend of our country.

At the meeting we reaffirmed the shared interest for further intensification of the bilateral political and eocnomic cooperation based on the Declaration of Strategic Partnership and Cooperation.

This Declaration connects North Macedonia and the USA in the realization of their shared values and commitments for security, freedom and democratic prosperity of the region.

As partners, we share and we jointly create activities in fight against terrorism and other threats on peace and security in the world.

Furthermore, we are jointly welcoming the successes of both countries, and we are looking forward to the perspectives that are opening with our country’s soon full-fledged NATO membership.

So far 21 countries have ratified the NATO Accession Protocol. The United States of America has initiated this process in their Senate and we expect that by September or October this process will be completed.

The support provided by the USA to our aspirations for EU membership is an exceptional stimulation for our country.

We are fully committed to the reform agenda of the EU and we have delivered concrete results in 4 areas, as requested in the Conclusions of the Council of EU in June 2018, in cooperation with the oppossition.

We are open to, and we constantly reiterrate this, make the last step together with the opposition in adopting the draft Law on Public Prosecution, in order to show the international community that we are united when it comes to our strategic interests.

All indications show that in October we will have the long-awaited decision for start of negotiations.

No one wants new dissapointments and failed promises. Neither in the EU, nor at home, nor in the region.

No one wants a chance for increased influence of ill-intentioned third parties to the country and to the region.

Everyone expects the recognition for fulfilled democratic reforms, for the best possible solutions on issues with neighbours and for the determination of our country to be part of the Western democratic world.

This is our path, this is the good path.

The United States of America are always here to discuss on increasing the cooperation and to support our country in becoming part of the Western democratic world.