North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said that Skopje must respond with arguments rather than enter into an exchange of accusations with Bulgaria.
The remarks came after Rumen Radev announced plans to raise the issue of the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia during a meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, according to bTV News.
Mickoski criticized the Bulgarian leadership over the planned discussion. “A country that avoids fulfilling several dozen decisions of the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has the least grounds to comment on human rights,” Mickoski said. “These are provocations that we hear constantly. This is anything but good neighborly relations.”
The North Macedonian prime minister denied the existence of any judicial ruling determining that his government violates citizens’ human rights. He argued that the intent behind such statements is to manufacture tension and generate international criticism against Skopje, noting that North Macedonia should reply with reason and a clear strategy rather than matching provocative rhetoric.
“We need to approach this carefully and not fall for the provocation, because that is their goal – to give in and respond in kind, because they see that they are losing ground on the international stage,” said Mickoski, cited by Focus News.
Rumen Radev Raises Concerns in Dublin
The friction follows statements made by Radev on November 12 during the ninth summit of the European Political Community in Dublin. Radev indicated he would meet with Berset on the sidelines to address what he described as worsening conditions for the Bulgarian community in North Macedonia.
This diplomatic friction builds on a series of exchanges between Sofia and Skopje regarding minority rights and European integration. In September, Iliana Iotova met with Berset in Strasbourg to discuss ongoing monitoring by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, expressing hope that oversight regarding the group of cases “Omár Ilinden and others against Bulgaria” would soon conclude, as reported by www.24chasa.bg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Council of Europe involved in the dispute between Bulgaria and North Macedonia?
The Council of Europe oversees the implementation of judgments delivered by the European Court of Human Rights. Committee of Ministers monitoring relates to the implementation of decisions of the European Court of Human Rights regarding freedom of association. In the presented report, it is pointed out that none of the 14 decisions ordering Bulgaria to register Macedonian associations has been implemented.
What specific meeting prompted Mickoski’s response?
Mickoski issued his statement in reaction to Radev’s announcement on November 12 that he would discuss the treatment of Bulgarians with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset during the European Political Community summit in Dublin.
Has any court ruled against North Macedonia regarding minority rights violations?
Mickoski maintained that no judicial ruling exists establishing that his government has violated or in any way infringed the human rights of citizens.