It seems that the 25-year disagreement between Greece and Macedonia about the latter’s name is approaching a solution.
UN representative Matthew Nimetz, who is leading the talks between the two neighboring countries has stated that the conversation has been “hopeful” and that a list has been drafted with concrete propositions for Macedonia’s official name.
According to Macedonian media outlet MKD, the following names have been proposed:
- The Republic of New Macedonia
- The Republic of Northern Macedonia
- The Republic of Upper Macedonia
- The Republic of Vardar Macedonia
Nimetz declared:
[T]he atmosphere is a much better one and from both Skopje, and Athens there is an indication that we should make an intensive effort to resolve this issue that has been outstanding for so many years.
The UN representative hopes the naming issue, which has existed since Macedonia break-away from Yugoslavia in the 1990, will be resolved within two months. Owing to the dispute, Macedonia has been unable to apply for NATO membership, while it is also blocking further EU integration.
