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

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

Direct talks between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on a number of outstanding issues, including the official name of the latter, will resume next week, the United Nations envoy spearheading the effort has announced.

According to UN spokesperson Michele Montas, the talks will take place in Ohrid in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 21 January, under the auspices of the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative, Matthew Nimetz.

They will be the first to take place in the region and not in New York, and will focus on the “name issue” and related themes. The discussions will be opened by Antonio Milososki, Foreign Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

In a visit to the region last month, Mr. Nimetz announced that this is to be the first in a series of meetings, and if progress is made in next week’s talks, an upcoming round will be held in Greece.

The Interim Accord of 13 September 1995, 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.