Przino Agreement is undermined, the elections are repeatedly postponed, and the political dialogue is not at the expected level, Marijana Petir, MEP from Croatia says. In an interview for Telegraf.mk she says that, as a great friend of Macedonia requires politicians to join forces and demonstrate wisdom to overcome all differences and to return the country on the right path towards the EU.
T: How do you rate Macedonia's political crisis. Whether the government and the opposition could find common ground on the main issue, which is the date for the parliamentary elections, which are part of the Przino Agreement?
- Lack of political dialogue and boycott of parliament walked out of the desired goal, and that is joining the European Union. The EU has made great efforts to mediate and support the Przino Agreement. But we can see that the agreement is being undermined, the elections are repeatedly postponed and the political dialogue is not at the expected level. Politicians must join forces and demonstrate wisdom to overcome all differences and to return the country on the right path towards the EU. The agreement should be respected, and leaders must communicate and continue to cooperate with the mediators from the EU to demonstrate a commitment to the mission for Macedonia to join the European family.
T: Do you think there is a connection of the protests in Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, and whether the opposition parties in these countries are controlled from one center?
- I believe that interference in the internal relations in Macedonia, as I see that someone does, is no good and cannot contribute to solving the crisis, but it deepens it. I am confident that with a little good will you can find a solution on your own. Help is always welcome, but I strongly believe that Macedonia does not need tutoring and that the Macedonian people in recent elections will alone choose what government they want.
T: In the EP you lead an informal group "Friends of Macedonia". Does Macedonia have real friends and lobbyists such as Croatia once had Germany?
- The purpose of our informal group, consisting of thirty parliamentarians from different countries and parties, is to increase the visibility of Macedonia in the European Parliament and the promotion of the country. I invited colleagues to join me and help the European future of Macedonia and the entire region. I am sorry that the Greek colleagues responded with protests, strikes and obstructions. But I will persevere. I am not alone, Macedonia has has many friends in the EP, but the efforts of all politicians must be present.
T: Do you think that the EU under-appreciates what Macedonia has done during the migrant crisis. At this point at the Greek-Macedonian border there are about 10,000 migrants who want to enter the EU?
- In the refugee crisis Macedonia proved to be a faithful partner of the European Union, which could be seen from the protection of the external borders. In these circumstances it is important for Greece to make efforts in solving the refugee crisis at their common borders and rely on EU values. It is necessary to act responsibly and to make greater efforts to find a solution to the open issues and it would allow the entry of Macedonia into the European family.