SKOPJE, June 2 (Xinhua) -- North Macedonia's government and people expect the European Union (EU) to keep its word and give a clear date for the start of the accession negotiations, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told reporters on Sunday.
Zaev made the declaration during a conference on the occasion of the second anniversary of the government's formation.
Zaev underlined that North Macedonia has become an example in the Balkan region thanks to the achievements of the government.
"This is what the Progress Report of the European Union Commission said on North Macedonia. But this is not enough, it is time for Europe to keep its word. The Europeans in North Macedonia and the country's government are waiting for a clear move from the EU," Zaev said.
Moreover, Zaev noted that the citizens have embraced the policies that "have steered the ship to peaceful waters and safe ports - EU and NATO - while solving all open issues with neighbors through the Prespa Agreement (with Greece) and the Friendship Treaty (with Bulgaria)."
During his speech Zaev also called on the opposition to cooperate with the government.
"I believe we should build North Macedonia through consensus. The opposition should recognize this and give its contribution to the achievements of the country's interests for the people's sake," Zaev said.
The conference was attended by other government officials, academics, civil society activists, representatives of the diplomatic corps and of the religions community.
On May 29, North Macedonia received an unconditional recommendation by the the EU Commission for opening accession talks. Both the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Johannes Hahn, urged the European Council and the EU member states to "stick to its commitments and respond clearly and positively when countries fulfil theirs."
Last year the EU member countries agreed to assess kicking off accession talks for North Macedonia and Albania.
