Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expressed hope that a solution to the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece is getting closer and that this could happen before the EU summit scheduled for June 28 and 29.
Today in Aracinovo, while marking the occasion of the start of a project for a new municipal building, Zaev stated that a swift resolution to the dispute is connected to the county’s aspirations to have a solution before the EU Summit and before the EU Council, scheduled for June 25 and 26, emphasizing that the days are numbered.
He pointed out the importance of achieving a high quality solution that will be legally binding, dignified whilst preserving the national identity, furthermore, the solution must have a positive outcome for the citizens of the country, who will ultimately decide via referendum.
Zaev stressed that communications between all levels of government regarding the name issue is ongoing, and that various strategies are being considered for resolving this 25-year old dispute. He added that as soon as he had a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsirpas, he will inform the public.
“It’s about final moments in an attempt to get closer to the respected positions and when that happens, we will be able to jointly announce the good news to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and to the citizens of the Republic of Greece”, said Zaev.
He stressed that, of course, this would be an agreement first and foremost between the presidents of the two governments, and their foreign ministers, and when this happens, then the head of state, the opposition leader, other political leaders and the public will be informed.
Regarding the name that would be a possible solution, Zaev did not want to speculate or respond to journalist’s questions, as to whether the Republic of Northern Macedonia, as is most often mentioned in the Greek media, is possibly the acceptable option.
Zaev added that the issue is being resolved at a level of bilateral communication between Greece and Macedonia, and that the support provided by the EU, the United States and all other international actors has proved very important throughout the entire process.
