Macedonia and Bulgaria: Political Relations

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  • Tomche Makedonche
    Senior Member
    • Oct 2011
    • 1123

    Macedonia PM Aims to Heal Breach With Bulgaria

    Macedonia's Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev, on Tuesday heads to Bulgaria on a mission to warm up strained relations - and seek Bulgaria's aid in Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic intregration bids.


    Macedonia PM Aims to Heal Breach With Bulgaria

    Macedonia's Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev, on Tuesday heads to Bulgaria on a mission to warm up strained relations - and seek Bulgaria's aid in Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic intregration bids

    Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev will meet his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov and President Rumen Radev on Tuesday, amid optimism that the two countries can finally resolve their open issues by signing a long delayed agreement on good-neighborly relations.

    There is optimism that such an agreement, on which Sofia insists, could be signed during or soon after Zaev's visit to Sofia.

    Bulgaria has demanded signature of the agreement since 2012 as a precondition for Sofia's diplomatic support.

    However, the two sides are yet to settle two key open issues, the naming of the languages in which the agreement will be signed and Bulgaria's insistence that Macedonia pledges not to interfere in Bulgaria's domestic affairs.

    A diplomatic source from the Macedonian Foreign Ministry told BIRN that both sides are engaged in overcoming these issues.

    "I cannot say whether we will make it on time for the [good neighbourly] agreement to be signed during [Zaev's] visit but there is a positive atmosphere and we are working hard," the source said on Monday.

    The head of Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic Council, an NGO, Ismet Ramadani says Macedonia should use the new, more positive atmosphere in Brussels and Sofia to finally strike a deal.

    Such a move could turn Bulgaria from being a potential obstacle into one of Macedonia's strongest allies when it comes to joining NATO and the EU.

    "If these two issues are overcome, some kind of compromise will be found so the agreement can be signed, and then Bulgaria can help Macedonia a great deal," Ramadani said.

    While Macedonian relations in Greece are strained by the dispute over Macedonia's name, which Greece has used to block Macedonia's membership of NATO and the EU, relations with Bulgaria have generally been friendlier.

    Bulgaria was the first country to recognise Macedonia when it proclaimed its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.

    Moreover, unlike Greece, Bulgaria recognises its neighbour under its constitutional name, the “Republic of Macedonia”.

    However, Bulgaria in the distant past laid claim to Macedonia, and Sofia still does not recognise the existence of a separate Macedonian language. Many Bulgarian historians still maintain that Macedonians are ethnic Bulgarians.

    While many Macedonian scholars have accused Bulgaria of trying to assimilate the Macedonian minority there, Sofia has in turn complained about discrimination against the Bulgarian minority in Macedonia.

    Bulgaria, which is both a NATO and an EU member state, has, however, made it clear that it will do what it can to help Macedonia join both organisations, if all the current open issues are resolved.

    In that respect, Macedonia hopes to benefit from Bulgaria's forthcoming Presidency of the European Council, in the first half of 2018.

    Bulgaria's minister for the EU Presidency, Lilyana Pavlova, has pledged that the Western Balkans, of which Macedonia forms part, will be present in “all possible formats” during Sofia's six-month presidency.

    A top-level meeting on the region will be held in Bulgaria during the Estonian presidency in October 2017.

    Hope for improved bilateral relations followed the election in Macedonian of a new government led by Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev on June 1.

    This ended a prolonged political crisis in Macedonia.

    Zaev pledged to work hard on improving relations with Macedonia's neighbours, especially Greece and Bulgaria, and on reviving the stalled Euro-Atlantic membership bid.

    Borisov has also expressed his belief that the two countries can turn a fresh page, which would allow Bulgaria to help Macedonia fulfil its EU and NATO aspirations.
    “There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part, you can’t even passively take part, and you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you’ve got to make it stop, and you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you’re free, the machine will be prevented from working at all” - Mario Savio

    Comment

    • Tomche Makedonche
      Senior Member
      • Oct 2011
      • 1123



      Bulgaria and Macedonia will sign treaty for friendship

      Sofia. Bulgaria backs Macedonia's bid to join the European Union and NATO and the previously estranged Balkan neighbours will also sign a long-delayed friendship treaty, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Tuesday, quoted by Reuters.

      Prospects for improved relations between Macedonia and nearby Bulgaria and Greece have risen since a Social Democratic-led coalition government took power in Skopje on May 31, replacing right-wing nationalists.

      In 2012 Bulgaria joined its southern neighbour and fellow EU state Greece in blocking Macedonia - formally known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM - from obtaining a start date for EU accession talks.

      Greece's stance arose from its longstanding objection to the name Macedonia, saying this could imply territorial claims on the northernmost Greek province of the same name.

      Sofia at the time accused Skopje of discriminating against minority ethnic Bulgarians in Macedonia and of generating an anti-Bulgarian atmosphere in the country.

      Borissov and Zaev said the friendship treaty would be signed on Aug. 2 when the Bulgarian premier visits Macedonia.
      “There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part, you can’t even passively take part, and you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus and you’ve got to make it stop, and you’ve got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you’re free, the machine will be prevented from working at all” - Mario Savio

      Comment

      • Risto the Great
        Senior Member
        • Sep 2008
        • 15658

        It's pretty easy to make friends when you're bent over waiting for the more dominant to give it to you.
        Risto the Great
        MACEDONIA:ANHEDONIA
        "Holding my breath for the revolution."

        Hey, I wrote a bestseller. Check it out: www.ren-shen.com

        Comment

        • DraganOfStip
          Senior Member
          • Aug 2011
          • 1253

          Why doesn't he invite Erdogan as well while he's at it, we can have some shopska, Bulgarian kebapi and Turkish doner at the celebration?
          ”A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims... but accomplices”
          ― George Orwell

          Comment

          • vicsinad
            Senior Member
            • May 2011
            • 2337

            Macedonia & Bulgaria: Political and Historical Concessions

            The agreement with Bulgaria on neighborly relations:

            AGREEMENT ON FRIENDLY, WELFARE AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

            The Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria (hereinafter referred to collectively as "Contracting Parties"),

            Starting from the common aspiration for further development of good neighborly relations, friendship and cooperation between the two countries,

            Deeply convinced of the need to develop co-operation based on mutual respect, trust, understanding, good neighborliness and mutual respect for the interests of their countries,

            Believing that the comprehensive development and deepening of friendly neighborly relations between them corresponds to the interests of the peoples of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Bulgaria,

            Convinced of the necessity of strengthening the security and peace, cooperation and trust in Southeast Europe, Welcoming the aspiration of the Republic of Macedonia for integration in European and Euro-Atlantic structures,

            Believing that constructive dialogue on all aspects of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues will contribute to further development of relations between the two countries on an equal basis,

            Recognizing the fundamental meaning of the Joint Declaration of 22 February 1999 In the relations between the two countries,

            Having in mind the common history, which connects the two countries and their peoples,

            Respecting the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the documents of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, as well as the democratic principles contained in the acts of the Council of Europe,

            Agreed on the following:

            Article 1

            The two Contracting Parties shall develop a comprehensive relationship among themselves in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and good neighborly relations.

            Article 2

            1. The two Contracting Parties shall cooperate within the framework of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and other international organizations and forums.

            2. The two Contracting Parties shall develop cooperation among themselves in the field of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, aimed at the successful preparation of the Republic of Macedonia for its accession to the European Union and NATO. The Bulgarian side will share its experience in order to help the Republic of Macedonia fulfill the necessary criteria for membership in the European Union and will support the Republic of Macedonia to receive an invitation for NATO membership in accordance with the relevant decisions of the NATO summit meetings.

            Article 3

            Both Parties will help develop co-operation among the countries of Southeast Europe, to strengthen understanding, peace and stability in the region and in the implementation of regional projects as part of the process of creating a single Europe.

            Article 4

            1.The two Contracting Parties shall maintain contacts and shall hold meetings between representatives of the state authorities at different levels for the development of friendly relations and cooperation.

            2. The two Contracting Parties shall assist in the maintenance of the contacts between the local authorities and the citizens of both Contracting Parties.

            Article 5

            Having in mind their geographical familiarity, both Parties will strive to create the necessary legal, economic, financial and trade conditions to ensure the widest possible movement of goods, services and capital. They will encourage joint investments and ensure their protection.

            Article 6

            The two Contracting Parties will support the increase in tourist exchange, as well as the development of appropriate forms of cooperation in the field of tourism. Article 7

            1. The two Contracting Parties shall expand and improve transport links and communications between them, including within the framework of the regional infrastructure projects.

            2. The two Contracting Parties shall strive to facilitate the customs and border formalities for passengers and goods moving between them.

            Article 8

            1. Both Parties shall encourage active and smooth cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health, social care and sports.

            2. Within a maximum of three months from the date of entry into force of this Agreement, in order to deepen mutual trust, both Contracting Parties shall establish a Joint Multidisciplinary Commission of Experts on Historical and Educational Issues on a parity basis in order to contribute objectively and based on Authentic and evidence-based historical sources, a scientific interpretation of historical events. The Commission will submit a one-year report on its work to the governments of the Contracting Parties.

            3. The two Contracting Parties shall jointly organize joint commemorations of common historical events and personalities, aimed at strengthening good-neighborly relations in the spirit of European values.


            Article 9

            Both Parties will make efforts to freely disseminate information by encouraging and developing co-operation in the field of mass media by exploiting the possibilities of modern information assets. They will engage in the protection of the copyright and intellectual rights of the creators of the two countries.

            Article 10

            The two Contracting Parties shall promote cooperation in the legal and consular area and, more specifically, in the area of ​​civil, criminal and administrative matters, as well as resolving the humanitarian and social problems of their citizens.

            Article 11

            1. No one of the Contracting Parties shall take, encourage or support acts directed against the other country, which have a hostile character.

            2. No one of the Contracting Parties shall allow its territory to be used against the other of organizations and groups aimed at committing subversive, separatist actions and acts that threaten the peace and security of the other Contracting Party.

            3. The two Contracting Parties have no and will not have territorial claims against one another.

            4. Each of the Contracting Parties shall have the right to protect the rights and interests of its nationals in the territory of the other Contracting Party in accordance with international law.

            5. The Republic of Macedonia confirms that nothing in its Constitution can and should not be interpreted as constituting or will ever constitute grounds for interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria in order to protect the status and rights of persons who are not nationals of the Republic Macedonia. (VICSINAD NOTE: Why isn't the same demanded of Bulgaria?)

            6. Both Parties shall take effective measures to prevent malicious propaganda by institutions and agencies and discourage the activities of private entities aimed at encouraging violence, hatred or other similar actions that would harm their relationship.

            Article 12

            1. Within three months of the entry into force of this Agreement, both Contracting Parties shall establish a Joint Intergovernmental Commission. The Commission is co-chaired by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both Contracting Parties and includes senior officials of both Contracting Parties.

            2. The Intergovernmental Intergovernmental Commission will hold regular meetings once a year, in order to review the effective implementation of this Agreement, to apply measures to improve bilateral co-operation, as well as to resolve issues that arise during the implementation of the Agreement. Each of the Contracting Parties may, if necessary, propose the organization of further meetings of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission.

            Article 13

            1. This Agreement shall be subject to ratification in accordance with the constitutional requirements of the Contracting Parties. This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the exchange of the instruments of ratification by both Contracting Parties and shall remain in force for an indefinite period of time.

            2. This Agreement may be amended by written consent between the two Contracting Parties. Amendments shall be negotiated by diplomatic channels and shall enter into force in accordance with paragraph 1 of this article.

            3. Each Contracting Party may terminate the Agreement by sending a written notification to the other Contracting Party. The agreement shall cease to be in force one year after the date of receipt of such notice.

            Article 14

            This Agreement, in no way, shall be interpreted as contravening bilateral and multilateral agreements, the parties to which are Parties.

            Signed in two original copies, each of them in the official languages ​​of the Contracting Parties - the Macedonian language, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia and the Bulgarian language, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, both texts being of equal importance.

            Comment

            • vicsinad
              Senior Member
              • May 2011
              • 2337

              This agreement is a prime example of something that the Macedonians should be able to unite around against Zaev. Hopefully, we at least see some mass protests. It is very clear that this agreement will be used as a tool by Bulgaria to insert its dominance in Macedonian affairs. On top of that, Bulgaria still won't recognize the Macedonian ethnicity or language.

              We have on our hands another Interim Accord and Ohrid Framework Agreement. Now we just need an agreement with Serbia putting the MOC back in the jurisdiction of the SOC and we will have capitulated to all our neighboring peoples.

              Comment

              • vicsinad
                Senior Member
                • May 2011
                • 2337

                The joint commission on history will probably change Macedonian history books to say that Bulgarians came as liberators and not occupiers.

                Comment

                • Risto the Great
                  Senior Member
                  • Sep 2008
                  • 15658

                  I can't believe I just read what was in that agreement. Absolutely nothing is gained by Macedonia in conceding those points. Even a whore gets money up front.

                  How do we go about shaming a government that just agreed to dilute my identity?
                  Risto the Great
                  MACEDONIA:ANHEDONIA
                  "Holding my breath for the revolution."

                  Hey, I wrote a bestseller. Check it out: www.ren-shen.com

                  Comment

                  • Risto the Great
                    Senior Member
                    • Sep 2008
                    • 15658

                    Is it ratified yet?
                    Risto the Great
                    MACEDONIA:ANHEDONIA
                    "Holding my breath for the revolution."

                    Hey, I wrote a bestseller. Check it out: www.ren-shen.com

                    Comment

                    • vicsinad
                      Senior Member
                      • May 2011
                      • 2337

                      Originally posted by Risto the Great View Post
                      Is it ratified yet?
                      I think not until August 1st or 2nd, when Bulgaria's Prime Minister will come to Macedonia to sign it and then speak at an even in Krushevo, supposedly.

                      I don't know when (if) Macedonian Parliament will actually vote on it.

                      Comment

                      • vicsinad
                        Senior Member
                        • May 2011
                        • 2337

                        I don't understand where the compromise was. It's not like Macedonia said: "Okay, well we will agree to a joint commission on history if Bulgaria recognizes the Macedonian language and identity." It was: "We will agree to a joint commission on history in exchange for helping you get into the EU and NATO."

                        Comment

                        • Risto the Great
                          Senior Member
                          • Sep 2008
                          • 15658

                          No compromise whatsoever. It can only be a little sweetheart deal on the side in the first instance with an opportunity for the real financial rorting when EU & NATO are at the meeting table.

                          This is shameful and yet another FYROMIAN attack on the Macedonian identity.
                          Risto the Great
                          MACEDONIA:ANHEDONIA
                          "Holding my breath for the revolution."

                          Hey, I wrote a bestseller. Check it out: www.ren-shen.com

                          Comment

                          • Rogi
                            Senior Member
                            • Sep 2008
                            • 2343

                            This is not too dissimilar from the shameful Joint Declaration between Bulgaria and Macedonia in 1999 by then Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski



                            In fact, most of the wording is exactly the same.

                            Comment

                            • vicsinad
                              Senior Member
                              • May 2011
                              • 2337

                              Originally posted by Rogi View Post
                              This is not too dissimilar from the shameful Joint Declaration between Bulgaria and Macedonia in 1999 by then Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski



                              In fact, most of the wording is exactly the same.
                              Except the new one has Article 8 (on joint commissions) and Article 11-5 (on Macedonia can't interfere in minority issues in Bulgaria, but the same doesn't apply to Bulgaria).

                              Thus, while the joint declaration was the basis for the agreement, this agreement is much worse because of the new provisions.

                              Comment

                              • vicsinad
                                Senior Member
                                • May 2011
                                • 2337

                                Bulgarian Parliament ratified the agreement 206-0.



                                When 100% of Bulgarians want something with regards to Macedonia...you know that it's probably not in the interest of Macedonia.

                                Comment

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