Dimche Yamandiyev to FACTI: Inclusion of Bulgarians in the RSM constitution is Skopje's obligation

We have witnessed another statement by the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, that the Bulgarians will not be included in the country's constitution if Bulgaria does not fulfill "two conditions". And this is happening against the backdrop of the systematic suggestions that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights oblige Bulgaria to recognize "Macedonian ethnicity". What's next... Dimche Yamandiyev, chairman of the "Ilinden" Association, speaks to FACTI.

- Mr. Yamandiyev, how do you interpret Prime Minister Mickoski's statement that the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia will only happen if Bulgaria fulfills conditions?
- This statement is another attempt to shift the topic from its real focus. The inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia is not a bilateral deal, but an obligation assumed by the state itself within the framework of the European process. Setting conditions for Bulgaria represents a political evasion of responsibility and an attempt to take an internal problem outside.

- It is believed that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights oblige Bulgaria to recognize the “Macedonian ethnicity“. Is this true?
- No, this is not true. The European Court of Human Rights examines these cases not from the perspective of ethnicity or identity, but solely through the prism of the right to freedom of association, enshrined in Art. 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Court does not recognize ethnicities and does not oblige states to change their constitutional order.

- What specifically does the decision in the case “OMO Ilinden and others v. Bulgaria“ rule?
- In this decision, the court establishes a violation of the right to association, but nowhere does it recognize the existence of a “Macedonian ethnicity“ in Bulgaria, nor does it insist on such official recognition by the Bulgarian state. The court does not explicitly rule on the question of who is a “Macedonian“ and whether such a minority exists in Bulgaria. The only question is whether the refusal to register violates the right of people to unite according to belief.

- How does this fit with the Bulgarian Constitution?
- The Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria is extremely clear. Art. 11, para. 4 prohibits political parties on ethnic, racial or religious grounds. On this basis, the Bulgarian courts reject registrations of formations that declare belonging to a specific ethnic group, regardless of whether they are Macedonians, Pomaks, Turks or others. This is a general principle that applies to everyone, and does not constitute discrimination.

- What is the significance of the Prespa Agreement in this debate?
- The 2018 Prespa Agreement clearly defines the term “Macedonian“ in an international context as referring only to the citizens and culture of the Republic of North Macedonia. Skopje explicitly renounces any cultural, historical or linguistic claims outside its state territory, including to Bulgaria. This means that there is no international or legal basis for Bulgaria to recognize “Macedonian ethnicity“ on its territory.

- What do you think should change in public and political language?
- Bulgarian institutions, media and politicians should use accurate and diplomatically justified terminology. This means using the full name “Republic of North Macedonia“, to avoid the use of “Macedonians“ for the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia and to clearly emphasize that the historical “Macedonians“ are the Bulgarians from the geographical area of Macedonia. The inaccurate language creates insinuations that are subsequently used against Bulgaria.

- And from all this it follows...
- It follows that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights do not force Bulgaria to recognize the “Macedonian ethnicity“. They protect the right to association, and do not legitimize political constructs or external pressure. Bulgaria has the sovereign right to determine its constitutional framework, and the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia is an obligation of Skopje, not a conditional deal.