LETTER TO BAKOYANNIS
National.
Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki sent a letter yesterday to his Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyannis, calling for surpassing the stalemate in the relations between the two countries and building of good-neighborly, partnership ties.
Taking into consideration the recent misunderstandings over historic matters, presented publicly by senior Greek officials, and in favor of putting an end to the stalemate in the bilateral relations and reviving of the political dialogue, we believe that the two countries would like to express their obligation, responsibility for further development of the Greek-Macedonian relations in the spirit of good neighborliness and partnership. In this spirit of friendship, I would like to reaffirm the three Macedonian initiatives, presented to Greece at the official meeting under the UN aegis on the name issue, being held in Ohrid on January 21, 2008. These initiatives testify for our constant readiness for mutual engagement and cooperation in all spheres, significant for the relations of our countries, as well as for dedication to settling all opened issues in best possible manner, Milososki says in his letter.
In line with the principles of the Interim Accord of 1995, Milososki once again advocates the two countries to sign a Declaration of friendship, good neighborliness and cooperation.
- I am certain that this Declaration will not only contribute to the friendship of the peoples of both countries in favor of present, future generations, but also to the peace and development of of the South East European (SEE) region and European continent. Taking into account the sensitivity Greece has been demonstrating about historic issues, I believe that one of the possible steps for building a confidence between the two countries and nations is a joint review of historical events, Milososki says.
In this respect he suggests for the two countries to set up a Joint Committee for Education and History. Taking educational and multi-perspective approach to the Balkan history may play a significant role in the reconciliation with the past by preventing utilization of historic events for stirring up future misunderstandings. Milososki says.
This may be difficult to pass, as Greece has repeatedly scoffed at the idea of joint history books that will apply to all Balkan countries. Greece is the only Balkan country which objects to this idea.
Milososki also suggests for the two countries to re-establish the practice of having regular consultations on various levels, as well as to sign bilateral agreements in all spheres of mutual interest.
Therefore, I wish to reaffirm our Framework suggestion for further development of the relations between our two countries. It will contribute to further strengthening of the cooperation and mutual understanding, as well as to the further development of the regional cooperation - necessary prerequisite for creating stable, prosperous region and its integration with the European, Euro-Atlantic institutions. I firmly believe that Greece, as a country strongly dedicated to the principles of the UN Charter, Final Document of Helsinki and Charter of Paris, will embrace and sincerely welcome these initiatives, aimed at developing friendly relations between the two countries, the letter reads.
Milososki believes that by accepting of these three initiatives, the two governments will send a powerful message about their commitment and constructive approach to ongoing Greece-Macedonia talks on name row settlement under the UN aegis
[MINA]
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