In an interview with the MIA news agency, reproduced by newspaper “Kathimerini”, Northern Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev calls on Greece to comment on whether the “Macedonian language” is being spoken on its territory.
On the occasion of the references from the neighbor’s side to the “Macedonian language” and the reactions that have been caused in northern Greece due to Prespes Agreement, Zaev noted:
“The clauses in Prespes Agreement are clear and can be explained very easily if there is a climate of mutual friendship between the two countries. The first fact is that the “Macedonian language” has been accepted in the Prespes Agreement. At the same time it has been scientifically proven that this language belongs to the Slavic languages. “Macedonian” language is the language spoken by all the people of Northern Macedonia and the diaspora. But it is distinct from the Greek heritage,” he noted.
According to “Kathimerini”, referring to the spirit of friendship and good neighbourhood, he said that such matters should be understood. “This was explained to me by Dimitrov, and I told him that identity issues are personal, something we carry in the heart and no one can change it,” he added.
Asked whether it is a problem to say that “Macedonian” language is spoken in Greece, Zaev argued that Greece would have to answer if “Macedonian” language was spoken on its territory. “It is Greece’s right, they will have to comment on it.”
With our carelessness we can cause unnecessary situations as the agreement is clear and accurate. We, the politicians, must first apply it in order that the citizens of our countries can follow our example,” the North Macedonian PM said.
