Exclusive/Pendarovski: I regret the misinterpretation of my statements

One of the key pillars of the Prespa Agreement is that “neither of the two countries would interfere in the internal affairs of the other.”

President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski, following the reactions he sparked in Greece with his statements in an interview with TV Klan about the existence of a Macedonian minority, in an exclusive statement to IBNA expresses his regret for the misinterpretation of his statements and underlines he is an ardent supporter of the Prespa Agreement, a key pillar of which is that neither of the two countries shall interfere in the other’s internal affairs.

The full statement of the Office of the President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski:

“President Stevo Pendarovski is a staunch supporter of the Prespa Agreement and its full implementation, as well as developing and enhancing the relationship and co-operation between the two countries in any aspect.

The statement given in the said interview, is a fragment of a broader answer by President Pendarovski, which refers to what is one of the key pillars of the Prespa Agreement – that neither of the two countries would interfere in the domestic affairs of the other. Unfortunately, the accented section from the broader answer allows for different interpretation, for which we express sincere regret.

President Pendarovski, in the referred interview, as well as in each of his public appearances has constantly underscored that refraining from interference in the domestic affairs, as a basic principle of international law, is key to advancing mutual trust and good relationship of our neighbouring countries.” /ibna