Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Kotzias expects new and further pressure for a faster resolution over the name dispute after the parliamentary elections in December in Macedonia.
In an interview with the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini”, Kotzias said that only the two countries should dedicate themselves to negotiations within a format under the umbrella of the United Nations and under the baton of Matthew Nimetz, and not allow interference by third countries.
Thus, Kotzias sent an indirect message to the international community and the states which indirectly offered to mediate in the name dispute, that they should not interfere in the process.
In connection with the confidence-building measures and improving the climate thanks to these conversations, Kotzias said it remains to be seen how these measures will directly help negotiations to resolve the name dispute. For him, it is crucial that the measures have helped improve Greece’s image to the Macedonian people and bring down the idea and the view that Greece is aiming for Macedonia’s disintegration and for it to no longer exist as a state.
