January 29 (BTA) - The Bulgarian Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed concern over recent "actions of officials" in North Macedonia "which stir up negative public moods and are at variance with the positive climate created through the active efforts of the governments of Bulgaria and North Macedonia".

The statement, published on the Foreign Ministry's website, came after the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, said in a social media post that he has received representatives of OMO Ilinden, an organization which is not registered in Bulgaria as it insists on the recognition of a Macedonian minority in this country. OMO Ilinden is considered separatist and anti-constitutional in Bulgaria.

The Foreign Ministry stated: "Days after a successful joint meeting of the two countries' governments, public tensions are mounting again as a result of the actions of the President of North Macedonia, which represent an attempt to revive topics that are in conflict with the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Goodneighbourliness and Cooperation. Such actions do not contribute to finding solutions to political issues in view of stepping up North Macedonia's European integration. We ask the responsible factors in the neighbouring country to show political maturity and contribute constructively to the incipient process of restoration of mutual trust."

Reacting to the Foreign Ministry's statement, Pendarovski said that none of his actions has been or will be discordant with the 2017 Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria. In a position posted on the website of the North Macedonia Presidency, Pendarovski argued that every institution in the two countries should contribute to tackling outstanding issues. Therefore, he vows to work for enhanced dialogue and full implementation of the Treaty. VE

Source: Sofia