Osmani: "White smoke" from Ohrid would accelerate region's European integration

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, says for Kosovo Online that an agreement at today's round of dialogue on the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo would be of great importance not only for those two countries but for the entire region, as it would certainly accelerate the process of European integration.

"If we had 'white smoke' from Ohrid today, it would be a very important message for the entire region and Europe. That would also be the key moment for the beginning of a new phase in the region," Osmani emphasized.
 
He said that it was important for North Macedonia that Ohrid had been chosen as the place to hold this dialogue.
 
"It shows the recognition of the new role of North Macedonia on the international stage, especially in the region. We chair the OSCE, we are a member of NATO, and we are a country that is negotiating membership in the EU. We have examples of reaching difficult compromises, such as the Prespa Agreement regarding the name of the country and the Ohrid agreement," he explained.

 
Osmani, who is also the chairman of the OSCE, said that all this made North Macedonia a credible partner for the EU and the US.
 
He pointed out that it was symbolic that the Ohrid Agreement, which regulates inter-ethnic relations in that country, had been signed in Ohrid 22 years ago.
 
"That agreement is a model of a functional multi-ethnic democracy, which is unique. Now the international community wants to send a message that this example should be followed. That is why I am optimistic that the energy of Ohrid and the experiences of North Macedonia will encourage both parties to make decisions that would finally stabilize this region, bring reconciliation, and accelerate the European integration of the region. I hope to enter a new chapter of cooperation," Osmani underlined.
 
When asked whether, as chairman of the OSCE, he believes that signed agreements, such as the CSM, must be respected, he said that he could not talk about the details of the negotiation process.
 
"What I can say is that we have a specific geopolitical moment. The international community's involvement is extraordinary, and such opportunities should be used. We must open a new chapter in the region to have reconciliation because the citizens are tired of all the Balkans' problems and demand European values. We, as politicians, were chosen to bring them to them," Osmani underlined.