'Some Distance' Left To Solve Macedonia Name Row: Greece
Umer Jamshaid Published May 15, 2018 | 08:05 PM
Greece on Tuesday said there was still "some distance" left to resolve a quarter-century name row with neighbouring Macedonia, as the two countries' leaders prepare to meet this week
Athens, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2018 ) :Greece on Tuesday said there was still "some distance" left to resolve a quarter-century name row with neighbouring Macedonia, as the two countries' leaders prepare to meet this week.
Expectations of a deal rose this week as a meeting in Sofia was announced between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Macedonia counterpart Zoran Zaev on Thursday. But Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos insisted Tuesday that "another round may be needed to cover the distance separating the two sides".
"There is still some distance (to cover," Tzanakopoulos told reporters. Officials had previously said that the two leaders would only meet if there was a chance of an accord. The long-running name dispute between Macedonia and Greece dates back to 1991, when Skopje declared independence following the collapse of communist Yugoslavia.
Athens objects to Macedonia's name because it has its own northern province called Macedonia, and fears it may imply territorial ambitions. The spat has hampered Macedonia's ambitions to join the European Union and the NATO military alliance.
"Thursday's meeting between the prime minister and his counterpart Mr Zaev will be particularly useful and important, but we cannot anticipate an accord," Tzanakopoulos said.
A Macedonia government source on Tuesday confirmed that the main remaining difficulty is over the official name of the landlocked Balkan country's language.
Greece wants any changes to be enshrined in a revised Macedonian constitution, which Zaev's government currently lacks the parliamentary majority to enforce. Tzanakopoulos on Tuesday left open the possibility of an international treaty setting out a binding roadmap for future constitutional revision.
When the two leaders last met in Davos, Switzerland in January, Zaev made a gesture of conciliation in renaming Alexander the Great airport in Skopje, a name that had long riled the Greeks. The motorway linking Macedonia with Greece was also renamed the Friendship Highway.
Because of the dispute, Macedonia was forced to join the United Nations under the name the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Greek veto threats have also hampered Skopje's bid to become a member of the European Union and the NATO military alliance. Among possible new Names, Gorna Makedonija or Upper Macedonia is the most frequently mentioned.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Vivo V30 5G: The Perfect Blend of Enhanced Photography and Premium Design
Global financial institutions back Pakistan’s economic reforms
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence reaches Islamabad
NAB exonerates Nawaz Sharif in Thoshakhana reference
US lauds Pakistan’s economic reforms amidst challenges
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 17 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 17 April 2024
Venezuela shuts Ecuador diplomatic missions over raid
France and Germany will slow eurozone down: IMF
UN to launch $2.8 bn global appeal for Gaza, West Bank
COAS, Saudi FM discuss bilateral cooperation in various sectors
Big industry grows by 0.06 % in February 2024
More Stories From Weather
-
Pakistan Army continues rescue operations in rain-affected areas
2 days ago -
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm at various parts of country:PMD Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD ..
19 days ago -
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
20 days ago -
Another spell of rain, snowfall commences in Hazara division
21 days ago -
NDMA cautions masses amid heavy rainfall forecast, landslide risk
22 days ago -
Rains, snow forecasted in Kashmir from March 27
22 days ago
-
Rain with wind/thunderstorm forecast
22 days ago -
Rain likely in KP, GB, Kashmir
23 days ago -
Rain likely at isolated places in KP, central Punjab, northern Balochistan
26 days ago -
Weather to be dry at day time;cloudy in evening:PMD
29 days ago -
Partly cloudy weather forecast for city
29 days ago -
Dry weather to prevail in most parts of country:PMD
30 days ago