By Nikica Korubin
As we approach the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Strategic Partnership Declaration with the United States in 2008—a moment traditionally and solemnly commemorated each year—let us recall some key elements linked to American support for “a multiethnic Macedonia within its existing borders,” a country that, as “a democratic, secure, and prosperous state, is of vital importance for peace and stability in Southeast Europe”:
“The United States of America and Macedonia reaffirm their support for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the objectives and principles of the UN Charter, and for a unitary and multiethnic Macedonia within its existing borders.
Macedonia and the United States emphasize that a democratic, secure, and prosperous Macedonia, with friendly and constructive relations with its neighbors, and as an active participant in regional and international political, economic, and security forums, is of vital importance for peace and stability in Southeast Europe.”
– Declaration on Strategic Partnership and Cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Macedonia, Washington, May 7, 2008
However, as May 7 approaches, this anniversary risks being overshadowed by the Constitutional Court’s decision regarding one of the pillars guaranteeing multiethnicity—the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Following the repeal of the balance mechanism, which was rigorously applied in public administration, there is now talk of revoking the Law on the Use of Languages, culminating in the removal of the Badinter majority, the key mechanism safeguarding minority rights.
By May 7, this aspect of the strategic partnership will be respected just as much as this partnership has been mentioned over the past two decades. In other words—not at all.
Therefore, since actions must follow words, and given that the strategic partnership with the United States is based on this concrete declaration as well as a series of U.S. executive decisions ensuring the continuous and stable implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, it is expected that all pro-U.S. supporters—regardless of their role in society (analysts, journalists, professors) or the positions they hold (MPs, ministers, judges)—align fully with this declaration and do not undermine it in any way.
And since the only political party that openly advocates for the protection of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and recognizes its existential role in the survival and functionality of North Macedonia is the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), it is natural that everyone stands behind its statements regarding the Agreement and enforces it diligently from their respective positions—MPs in parliament, ministers in government, judges in the courts, journalists in the media.
The fact that in recent months, dozens of journalistic articles, hundreds of analytical opinions, and thousands of political judgments have been written and expressed in an attempt to demonize, discredit, and exclude a political entity that, in practice—not just in words—respects the strategic partnership with the United States should not come as a surprise. The commitment and consistency of these pro-U.S. efforts cannot be questioned.
There exists a clear gap between words and actions. And more importantly, this gap exists between what is written and what is accepted in the Strategic Partnership Declaration with the United States. This document seems to be treated just like all the other key agreements for our state—with relativization and denial.
Thus, in accordance with the strategic partnership with the United States, to preserve a “multiethnic, democratic, secure, and prosperous Macedonia” that is “of vital importance for peace and stability in Southeast Europe”, the Constitutional Court must:
- Close the case on the Ohrid Framework Agreement,
- Reject any initiative to annul the Law on the Use of Languages,
- Reverse the decision to eliminate the balance mechanism, and
- Ensure that the Badinter majority and the right to express ethnic affiliation remain intact.
Because isn’t defending the Constitution and upholding the strategic partnership with the U.S. its fundamental duty?
It is also expected that those who, in the political, media, and social spheres, defend the Ohrid Agreement and the strategic partnership with the United States—whether DUI or another political entity—should not become victims of public lynching for their efforts to protect the Constitution and the strategic agreement with the U.S..
And certainly, it is expected that those currently holding public office, elected or appointed to govern the state and safeguard its constitutional order, will respect, defend, and implement the Ohrid Agreement and all other agreements (the Prespa Agreement, the Agreement with Bulgaria) supported by our strategic partner—the United States.
For North Macedonia to remain a “democratic, secure, and prosperous state, with friendly and constructive relations with its neighbors”, as stated in the Strategic Partnership Declaration with the United States.
So, constitutional changes now and the start of EU negotiations.
From words to action. Practical implementation of the values on which the strategic partnership with the United States is based, at the local, regional, and European levels.
