Macedonia has met all NATO membership and EU accession talks conditions, but the illegal blockage by Greece, also confirmed by the International Court of Justice ruling, prevents their realization, stressed Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki at Wednesday's conference on Macedonia's European and Euro-Atlantic perspectives, held at the Danish Parliament, hosted by the country's European Movement.

"We believe the ICJ ruling provides a new legal dimension in eliminating obstacles for Macedonia's NATO accession, and represents an opportunity for a new approach by allies. We expect NATO members to reassess their positions with regards to Macedonia's membership, this time excluding Athens' illegal action. The court's stance that Macedonia has never violated the principles of good neighborly relations should also be taken into account", said Poposki.

According to him, Macedonia remains committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution in the name row, and will continue to take part constructively in the UN-led talks.

"Unfortunately, the other side does not share Macedonia's commitment. On the contrary, the Greek government has manifested lack of will to engage in the solution of this political issue, claiming its mandate is primarily economic. This has been confirmed at the recent meetings with UN Envoy Matthew Nimetz", noted FM Poposki.

In light of the NATO summit in Chicago, he added, Macedonia expects that the delayed membership invitation will take effect.

"We have met all required membership criteria, and our participation in NATO-led operations is highly acknowledged. Macedonia is the fifth largest contributor per capita in Alliance operations. NATO allies have confirmed on numerous occasions that Macedonia deserves to be a member as soon as possible", emphasized Poposki.

Referring to the Euro-integration process, he said Macedonia has been a candidate-state for six years, it has obtained the European Commission recommendation for start of accession talks for three years running, but this has not materialized due to Greece's obstruction.

"We expect the EU Council to finally accept the maintained EC recommendation during the Danish Presidency. We believe Macedonia should launch accession talks together with Montenegro this June, since their is no valid argument why this should not occur", stressed Poposki.

He said a delay in the start of the accession talks due to the bilateral name row with Greece would violate international law and disrespect the Hague Court judgment.

"The start of accession talks would only help the settlement of the name issue. The Union's enlargement history has shown that accession negotiations have resulted in solutions to certain bilateral issues, the latest being the Slovenia-Croatia row. Macedonia and Greece can follow this positive model with EU's support. The talks' opening would create a positive climate of mutual trust towards final solution of bilateral differences, in the spirit of European cooperation. Moreover, it would stimulate the continuation of Macedonia's democratic and social development, but also have an effect on reforms, interethnic cohesion and regional stability", added Poposki.

He said Macedonia was not asking for a shortcut to the EU, but a fair response to its achievements.

"Further delay of the process will have demotivating effects, especially among young people, who want to see Macedonia as a modern society integrated in Europe, full of opportunities for expressing their capabilities. I am deeply convinced that further EU enlargement with countries meeting the Copenhagen criteria, including the Republic of Macedonia, will provide a strong impetus to the Union's future development", underlined Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki in the conference address.