For “pure violation” of it Agreement of Prespaboth on the part of the new president of North Macedonia Gordana Silianowskaas well as from the leadership of the future ruling party VMRO-DPMNE speaks the professor of International Law at the Law School of the University of Skopje, Elena Mihailova-Stratilati.

“The state authorities are obliged by the Constitution to call the country North Macedonia”, she noted Elena Mikhailova in an interview on the Skopje website “RESPUBLICA”.

She pointed out that if the verbal “war” between Athens and Skopje continues, its international position will deteriorate North Macedonia.

Regarding the remarks and reactions from the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, of the President of the European Council Charles Michel, the USA and international organizations to the new leadership of North Macedonia on the need to faithfully observe the Prespa Agreement, Elena Mihailova noted:

“These reactions are absolutely justified, as the behavior of the president of the country and the future prime minister are a clear violation of the Prespa Agreement. Secondly, such behavior irreparably damages the image of the country internationally.”

Regarding the claims that the new president of North Macedonia did not violate the Prespa Agreement during her inauguration, when she called the country “Macedonia” because it is her “personal right”, Elena Mihailova said that “these excuses are appropriate only for children”.

“Ms. Silianovska has continued and will continue to use the same term even after her inauguration. Look, a person or citizen has the right to express his feelings and act as he wishes, based on constitutional and human rights. However, when he represents a state authority, he does not have human or constitutional rights, but he does have constitutional powers. Those who represent state authorities do not have rights, they have responsibilities.

The holder of the office has rights when acting in his individual capacity, as a natural person. When he represents a state authority, he is obliged to act in accordance with the obligations of the state he represents. Thus, he is obliged by the Constitution and international law to call the country North Macedonia. If he does not do this, then he is in breach of his obligations under the Constitution and international law. It is so simple. If VMRO DPMNE leaders want to call the country Macedonia, speaking as individuals or in their social interactions, then they can do that. But not when they represent the state authority,” noted Elena Mikhailova.

She said that the behavior of the VMRO-DPMNE leadership gives Eurosceptic forces the “right” to block North Macedonia’s European path.

“In fact, our country’s European path has been full of obstacles, one of which was the apparent reluctance of major EU countries to facilitate access to the Western Balkans. VMRO-DPMNE’s position gives skeptics the perfect excuse not to facilitate the process. They will say – we cannot accept to start negotiations with a country whose government is unable to respect international obligations. Who would want to negotiate with such a government, knowing that any deal would be of no value?” said the professor of the Faculty of Law of the University of Skopje.

Asked what North Macedonia’s arguments could be in the event that Greece appeals to the International Court of Justice in The Hague for a violation of the Prespa Agreement by Skopje, Elena Mihailova noted:

“The arguments are unconvincing, weak, ‘toothless’ in serious legal circles.”