Mitrev: We do not accept delayed implementation of constitutional amendments; our right to life is now

The president of the "Balkan Corridor" Association – Kavadarci, Dobre Mitrev, emphasizes that several associations of Macedonian Bulgarians have sent a letter to the leaders of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, as well as EU representatives, to convey that they do not wish to be a problem in the country but part of the solution, and that they do not accept the delayed implementation of constitutional amendments.

“We leave it to Bulgaria, that is, Skopje and Sofia, to resolve their problems, but not at the expense of Macedonian Bulgarians. I have heard statements from the president and prime minister that constitutional amendments will happen but with delayed implementation. I would ask them this: Do their fellow citizens living in Macedonia who identify as Bulgarian have the right to life with delayed implementation? Do their fellow citizens living in the Republic of Macedonia who identify as Bulgarian pay taxes in this country with delayed implementation? And I would humorously add: When you are issued a driver’s license, is its validity delayed, or does it apply from the date of issuance?” Mitrev stated to Kosovo Online.

When asked if he was one of the initiators of the letter, Mitrev confirmed.

“The letter was sent to the European Union and all relevant institutions in Macedonia and Bulgaria by several associations. All the associations are listed in the letter. The letter was sent on behalf of all associations in the Republic of Macedonia that have been operating for several years," he said.

He reiterated that Macedonian Bulgarians do not accept the delayed implementation of constitutional amendments.

“As I said, we live in the Republic of Macedonia now, and we want to exercise our rights now, not with delayed implementation. And, as I said, our right to life is now, not postponed,” Mitrev concluded.