Greece, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to resume UN-led talks on name

Representatives of Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have agreed to hold a fresh round of United Nations-mediated talks next week over the question of the official name of the latter country.

Matthew Nimetz, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Greece-former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia talks, said in a statement today that he had been in contact with the two sides and they have agreed to hold the talks in New York on 1 November.

“I hope that through the resumption of these talks in the established channel we can lay the groundwork to more intensive discussions that will find a mutually satisfactory resolution of the name issue and related matters,” Mr. Nimetz said in his statement.

“Both parties have indicated a sincere desire to reach a solution. I will issue a statement at the conclusion of the meeting,” he added.

The Interim Accord of 13 September 2005, which was brokered by the UN, details the difference between the two countries regarding the official name of the former Yugoslav republic. It also obliges the two sides to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to try to reach agreement on their dispute.

The last round of talks took place in New York on 16 May this year.