Pence, PM Zaev Discuss Implementing Macedonia Name-Change Agreement - White House

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st September, 2018) US Vice President Mike Pence has met with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and assured him of US support in implementing the Macedonian government's agreement with Greece reached in Prespa to change the name of the country, the White House said in a readout.

"The Vice President expressed his strong support for the Prespa agreement, which, once implemented, will lead to greater security and prosperity for the entire region," the readout said on Thursday evening.

Pence and Zaev then discussed the next steps in implementation of the Prespa agreement, including the upcoming September 30 referendum and the importance for all citizens to vote in the process, the readout continued.

"The Vice President expressed his support for the country as it moves forward to membership in NATO and the EU [European Union]," the readout added.

The meeting and comments by Pence come as Macedonians have organized a mass boycott of the referendum in an effort to prevent what they call a modern-day genocide that seeks to legitimize the actions of the US-installed Zaev government for the purposes of securing NATO membership, according to published reports.

Polls have shown that between 80 percent and 90 percent of Macedonians will boycott the referendum.