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[INTERNATIONAL] · Bulgaria, North Macedonia · 17 sources

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Bulgaria's President Jotova pledges to protect Bulgarian rights in North Macedonia

Bulgarian President Ilijana Jotova has reaffirmed that Bulgaria will continue to protect the rights of the Bulgarian community in North Macedonia. Speaking at the Petrova Niva historical site during the 123rd anniversary of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising, Jotova emphasized that the two nations share a common history and called on politicians and society to reject hate speech and division.

Her statements have reignited tensions regarding minority rights and historical identity. The Socialist Party of Macedonia (SPM) strongly rejected Jotova's claims of a 'shared history,' asserting that North Macedonia possesses its own distinct historical and cultural continuity and is not a 'historical project' of any neighbor.

In addition to the historical debate, Jotova raised concerns regarding the treatment of Bulgarian citizens in North Macedonia, specifically citing the case of 22-year-old Iva Mihajlova, whose Bulgarian passport was reportedly revoked by Macedonian authorities. Jotova indicated she would bring this matter to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Entities

Bulgaria · Council of Europe · Iliana Jotova · Ilijana Jotova · Iva Mihaylova · North Macedonia · Petrova Niva · Socialist Party of Macedonia · Stranzhanska Republic

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