Filipce: Von der Leyen’s visit disproved Mickoski’s claims about Macedonian identity

Venko Filipce said at a press conference today that, in his view, President von der Leyen’s visit had exposed the falsehoods told by Hristijan Mickoski regarding his claim that Macedonian identity was under threat.

“Hristijan has no reason to lie anymore. He can no longer present himself as a patriot defending national interests, because the truth is that they are guaranteed and no one, under any circumstances, can take them away from us. Naturally, Hristijan is not pleased with this visit because President von der Leyen has disproved his lie,” Filipce said.

The leader of the SDSM recalled Mickoski’s previous statements and promises regarding the Prespa Agreement, also highlighting the confirmation that the agreement protects national identity.

“He used to say that our identity was at risk and that we would annul the Prespa Agreement. But what did he actually do? Nothing. He later said that the Prespa Agreement was a masterpiece of diplomacy. President Gordana Siljanovska confirmed that the Prespa Agreement protects our national identity,” Filipce stressed.

According to him, the SDSM’s positions on protecting Macedonian identity and language have now been proven, while Mickoski’s claims have been completely disproved.

“It is now clear that these people came to power through lies, presenting themselves as patriots, and now they intend to preserve their power in the same way. Everything we have said so far has been confirmed. Our identity has been preserved and guaranteed by the Prespa Agreement. The language has been confirmed through the Frontex agreement, which was signed in pure Macedonian,” Filipce said.

He warned that the country’s isolation threatens its future and the interests of its citizens./Telegrafi/