SDS leader Zoran Zaev said that he is hopeful that the positive atmosphere between Macedonia and Greece will allow the two countries to make a step forward to resolve the name issue, and for Greece to allow Macedonia to begin NATO and European Union accession. His statement comes a day after the visit of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, and Zaev announced that it is possible for United Nations mediator Matthew Nimetz to make a proposal to resolve the name issue in November or December.
“I remain positive, based on the meeting and from the developments in the overall neighborhood, and with the Republic of Greece. There is a positive atmosphere, there is friendship, dialogue and conversations, and the two meetings of the Foreign Ministers, in Skopje and in Athens, confirm that”, said Zaev during his visit to Aracinovo on Friday for the Muslim holiday of Kurban Bajram..
Zaev said that he is not seeking to work with the opposition parties to resolve the issue. “For long years Macedonia has waited in front of the doors of NATO. Macedonia needs to make a step forward and to become a full NATO member and open its EU accession talks”, Zaev added.
During his visit he congratulated to the Muslims in Macedonia on the holiday. “This holiday means solidarity, which in turn means humanity and that means helping all those around us. This holiday sends all the goodness and warmth that makes it magnificent in itself, because it shows the basis of human existence. Life is passable and changeable, but behind us remains the goodness we let in the society and to all those who need our help. This is why we always remember the values which this holiday brings to the surface. That is helping not only our family and neighbors and friends, but all who are around us”, said Zaev.
The SDS leader announced that at the upcoming municipal elections, the party who has now defacto became a party representing albanians will run with Melekie Halimi, a female ethnic Albanian, as their candidate for Mayor in Aracinovo.
