'WE ARE ALL CONNECTED'
ZORAN ZAEV FOR KURIR: 'Non-papers can only end in wars, nothing else'
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Foto: Zorana Jevtić
Breaking the ice
'A message of friendship for Patriarch Porfirije'
"I contacted Patriarch Porfirije directly, by telephone, congratulated him on his election, and sent a message of friendship. It was a courtesy call."
Has any concrete progress been made in resolving the complicated relationship and the situation that has arisen between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the canonically unrecognized Macedonian Orthodox Church?
"This is a question that the two churches are working on. As politicians, we should just create the environment. Currently, no one is making a problem out of it, and members of the Serbian community go to Serbian churches, so everything works without any snags."
Blocked negotiations with the EU
'A solution will be found for Bulgaria too'
And how will you find a solution with Bulgaria, which has blocked the start of negotiations with the EU claiming that you and your language are descended from Bulgarians?
"There is a solution for everything, but you must choose the right moment. When there is an election in the Balkans, it is difficult to resolve anything during this time, and Bulgaria has just had an election. There is understanding between us in much the same way as there is between us and Serbia, we speak similar languages, and I do believe that we will find a reasonable solution. When we ask them, "Why don't you recognize the Macedonian language?" they say, "No, we accept that reality, but let's see what the roots are." We have a common history – all of Europe has a common history, let alone the Balkans. Nations originated from that very history – Macedonian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Croatian, all of them."
Legalization
'Cannabis for everyone'
Will cannabis eventually be legalized and decriminalized?
"The medical cannabis production system works, but the public hearing is open until mid-year, and longer if necessary, because we want people to understand its advantages. It can cure so many diseases."
And it also brings in 250 million euros per year.
"Not only that. It can help us boost our tourism. We have no oil, gas, or a sea, but we would like to develop our tourism. I also hope to get other benefits – after legalization, Colorado has seen a 38 percent drop in violence, and a 25 percent drop in the consumption of narcotic drugs. This means cafés in phase one, like in Amsterdam or Barcelona, and then a full legalization. To make it possible for people to obtain it for their own needs."