Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece to hold UN-led discussions

The United Nations envoy tasked with helping Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia resolve their dispute over the official name of the latter country will hold discussions with the two sides later this week as part of efforts to broker a solution.

Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, will have “continued discussions with representatives” of the two States in New York this Friday, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

Earlier this month Mr. Nimetz submitted a proposal to the two countries which could serve as the basis for the name issue and related outstanding matters, and asked both sides to study his ideas.

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 of Macedonia. It also obliges the two sides to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to try to reach agreement.