We must not put the different historical interpretations under hate speech, says Osmani

Bujar Osmani with João Gomes Cravinho, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal / Photo: "Sloboden Pechat" - Dragan Mitreski

We must not put the different historical interpretations under hate speech. Under hate speech, our legislation clearly states what is disparagement due to characteristics of a person or belonging to a group. And I think that if we expand that into historical interpretations, then I think that we are opening a field for exactly such risks that we are talking about, that hate speech will be interpreted in the work of the Historical Commission, the head of diplomacy said today Bujar Osmani in response to a journalist's question after the meeting with his Portuguese colleague João Gomes Cravinho.

"The hate speech is not related to the work of the Historical Commission, but how the governments should open the possibility for better relations between citizens, between businesses between the two countries. It is obvious that we have entered into a negative trend of relations in which we choose more harsh words for the other, insulting the citizens and the states from one side and the other. We must put a stop to such a trend if we want to be friends and allies in the EU. We have no interest in being in a negative trend of relations and speech with the Republic of Bulgaria," Osmani said.

According to him, this protocol, this agreement was signed in good faith and therefore the provisions in the part of monitoring hate speech should be viewed from that aspect.

"Hate speech should also be monitored in the Republic of Bulgaria." You know that there were cases when, after the burning bus, there was a Bulgarian citizen who insulted those who died on the bus, the Bulgarian Government reacted immediately by detaining the citizen. So, we are talking about that kind of hate speech in order to close that toxic circle of relations we have entered and to open a new chapter of friendship," said Osmani.

In response to the question of whether he had a meeting with the members of the Macedonian part of the Historical Commission regarding the Protocol, Osmani said that he met with them while they were negotiating the Protocol and some of their comments were included in the final phase of the protocol itself.

"In the coming days, I plan to meet with the entire Commission, starting tomorrow, with whom we will discuss the next steps," informs Osmani.

Regarding the announcements of a referendum by the opposition VMRO-DPMNE, Osmani said that he sees no reason for a referendum.

"Apart from the referendum question, whether you are against the EU with the Macedonian language in it - I don't know what else there would be a referendum on, because all the issues that are important to us are covered by this agreement. The language is clear, historical issues are not benchmarks for opening and closing chapters, and we have the beginning of negotiations. The only logical question in that referendum would be "Are you in favor of stopping the European path of the Republic of North Macedonia, while endangering the Macedonian language in the EU?" "I really don't see any other reason for a referendum," said Osmani.

In response to the question whether the results of that referendum would be respected, Osmani said that this is defined by the Constitution and the laws.

"It is not a question that I should answer with yes or no, as the Constitution and laws say, it will be done. But I think that really that question of the referendum should be said in which part. This means that you should either ask if you are for the Eurasian Union or if you are against the EU and against the Macedonian language in the EU. I don't see any other reason for a referendum. And if there are such reasons for a referendum, that's already another debate where we should sit down and everyone explain their position. If someone is in favor of stopping the accession process, if it is for a new alternative, that is legitimate, let them open that issue, the citizens will express their opinion. There is no other reason for a referendum," said Osmani.

Source: MIA

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