- MEP Richard Howitt said Wednesday that Macedonia is prepared to launch the negotiations with Brussels but until December Summit the country must convince not only Bulgaria and Greece but also the other countries that it is prepared for the next phase. The British rapporteur ended his three-day visit to the country with three recommendations for Macedonian politicians – to meet the obligations from the ad-hoc commission tasked with the events of 24 December, make progress in the relations with Bulgaria and progress to be seen in the freedom of expression. Howitt demands both the government and opposition to work in interest of Macedonia’s European aspirations.