Nimetz: It is high time we found a solution to the name dispute

The mediator Matthew Nimetz requests that Macedonia and Greece out an end to the pause in negotiations over the name dispute and again to put the issue high on the political agenda.
In an interview with the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini”, the special representative of the United Nations (UN) in the name talks between Macedonia and Greece, opens all cards from the 20 years of negotiations, and calls for a final resolution of the name. To introduce a composite name with a geographical element and that both sides will have to show understanding and concessions from the red lines to a mutually beneficial solution, where there will be no loser nor winner, and will improve future cooperation and stability in the region.
According to Nimetz, the final closure of the dispute will create new opportunities for cooperation, particularly for the preservation of stability in the region at critical moments, such as the current refugee crisis.
“Clearly, the time has come to find a solution. The refugee crisis, which affects both countries, the rise in terrorist threats to the region and the financial difficulties that plagues South-East Europe are additional reasons why it is necessary to find a solution now. The decision will open doors for better cooperation, for stronger Atlantic commitment to addressing regional issues and serves the interests of both countries, “said Nimitz.
The mediator has put all cards on the table because according to him the reality is, that there will be a composition in the final name. In the term “Macedonia” there will be no attempts for it to be eliminated, but will go accompanied by a geographical component, even if this does not suit the Macedonian red lines.
“We have to have an agreement on a name for the state which will have the term ‘Macedonia’ but a reasonable criterion, and in my opinion, it would be the geographical component, which will ensure and guarantee the dignity of the state, but will depart from the large part of Macedonia which is an indivisible piece of Greece”, said Nimetz regarding his views about the name, adding, however, that in the end both sides will decide what suits them.