The Parliament on Monday began to discuss the proposal for a vote of no confidence in Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov. The proposal was made by DPMNE and was detailed by its member of Parliament, and former Foreign Minister, Antonio Miloshoski.
Miloshoski pointed out to the damaging and one-sided treaty with Bulgaria as the chief reason for the call for a vote of no confidence. Other issues raised by Miloshoski include the move by Dimitrov to block the appointment of the already approved Ambassador to the European Union and his overall posture in foreign relations.
“Dimitrov claims that Macedonia’s position with regard to our neighbors and the region is improving. The best response to this claim is the meeting in Solun on July 13th, where the President and Foreign Minister of Serbia, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Greece and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria met in a three-party discussion about the region, they discussed Macedonia, and Macedonia was not present. They discussed the Euro-integrations of the region, and Macedonia was not present”, said Miloshoski.
Miloshoski also pointed out to the issue of migration, which he said is aburning topic in Europe. “We have information that Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary and Slovenia are asked to increase their capacity to receive migrants and to provide housing and welfare rights”, Miloshoski said, accusing Dimitrov of failing to present a clear position on this issue.
Miloshoski also blamed Minister Dimitrov of careerism, pointing out his penchant for switching parties. “His ideology is careerism. Go through his biography and you will see that advancing his own career always came first for him, regardless whether Ljubco Georgievski, Branko Crvenkovski, Nikola Gruevski or Zoran Zaev was in office”, said Miloshoski.
Dimitrov responded to the allegations, saying that he is surprised the vote of no confidence was initiated before his first 100 days in office were up. “I can understand the excitement of those who submitted the proposal, because after many years of stagnation and backsliding, our doors are finally opening and something new and positive is expected to happen in the Republic of Macedonia, and it is opening new options and realistic perspectives of a different, European future”, said Dimitrov.
He detailed the 27 foreign visits he had in the first 100 days, including to Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and other coutnries, and meetings with 37 foreign ministers and hundreds of other officials, as well as giving 30 media interviews.
Dimitrov said that Macedonia’s contribution was recognized at the Trieste Balkans summit and that the perception of Macedonia as a generator of crisis is being altered. Dimitrov boasted with the speed with which the diplomatic incident with Serbia was overcome and said that ties with Serbia, as well as with other neighbors, will improve.
Dimitrov defended the signing of the treaty with Bulgaria saying that it showed political will to resolve an issue.
“The treaty protects our key national interests and creates a new climate of confidence in our relations with Bulgaria, as well as opening a perspective to speed up our full European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The way in which the treaty was agreed is seen as inspiration to overcome other open issues and as model of cooperation in the Balkans. Our Government decided to have a policy of finding solutions and not one of not solving the problems”, said Dimitrov, adding that it is true that the treaty is not ideal but that it was important to ask what alternative did Macedonia have. “There is no more disastrous position for Macedonia if we have open issues with our two neighbors who are members of the EU”, Dimitrov added.
Regarding the name issue with Greece, Dimitrov said that solving it is a strategic issue for Macedonia. “Greece is a key neighbor for us in many regards, including the economy, communications between our citizens and in handling security challenges”, said Dimitrov.
The Parliament is also set to discuss requests for votes of no confidence for Agriculture Minister Ljupco Nikolovski and Labour and Welfare Minister Mila Carovska.
