Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry: Clashes in Skopje over the French proposal are worrying

Bulgaria's outgoing foreign minister, Teodora Genchovska, has described as worrying the clashes and protests in Skopje because of the French proposal to start the EU membership negotiations for North Macedonia.

"Let's give them the opportunity to really explain to their society what this package really consists of. The Bulgarian position is clear - we strictly adhere to the decision of the National Assembly," she added.

Another night of protests in Skopje turned tense last night after around 30 hooded demonstrators began throwing bombs and hard objects at the parliament building and police. 47 police officers were injured and 11 protesters were detained.

The parliament of North Macedonia must rule on the French-proposed compromise by the end of the week. /BGNES