Not the name, but irredentism of Macedonian Government is a key element that creates a problem between Macedonia and Greece, according to the new head of the Greek diplomacy Nikos Kodzias.
In an interview with show “360 degrees” on Greek television “Alpha”, Kodzias emphasized the behavior of the Macedonian Government as the biggest problem between the two countries, pointing out that Macedonia should stop this attitude towards Greece and consider what are the realistic solutions it is ready to accept.
“The problem with FYROM is not the name. The name just thickens it, only adds to the problem. Behind the name lies the real problem, and it is irredentism,” said Kodzias.
New Greek foreign minister said he is determined to solve the name, but believes that the international community should make more pressure on the Macedonian Government to influence changing irredentist positions that are stopping the resolution of the dispute.
“I say to our foreign partners that I want to solve the problem, but in order to be solved, rather than asking us questions, it’s time to start pushing Skopje and FYROM for it to stop behaving the way it is, thinking that all pressure will be on us. It is time that Government to think of the actual solutions that is willing to accept,” said Kodzias.
His views are identical with what is already said for two years by the current Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras. He, however, before forming a government, indicated a clear criticism to the Macedonian Government for irredentist behavior, noting that such an attitude, together with nationalist tendencies on both sides, only obstruct the resolution of the problem between the two countries and harm relations between the two countries.
