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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
February 22, 1999

Resolution of the Bulgarian-Macedonian Language Issue

The United States welcomes today's announcement by Bulgarian Prime Minister Kostov and Macedonian Prime Minister Georgievski that they have signed a joint declaration that commits them to developing cooperation based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. We also welcome the signing of seven agreements designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of issues as an important first step towards implementing the joint declaration.

We view today's announcement by Prime Ministers Kostov and Georgievski as an important contribution to security and stability in southeast Europe and applaud them for their decision to define a cooperative relationship that looks towards the 21st century and that transcends the artificial limits of the past.

The prospect of greater cooperation between Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the impetus to regional integration it offers, is particularly welcome at this troubled time in the Balkans. It sends a very strong signal to other southeast European countries about the benefits of resolving differences peacefully.

Finally, it serves as yet another example of the commitment by both countries and their leaders to Euro-Atlantic values and integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

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