Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia wants to solve name issue – UN envoy

The leadership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is committed to solving its dispute with Greece over the “name issue,” the United Nations envoy dealing with the subject said today after holding another round of talks in Skopje.

Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, met with President Branko Crvenkoski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and Skopje’s primary negotiator on the issue, Ambassador Nikola Dimitrov.

Mr. Nimetz said he received detailed feedback from the leadership on his latest proposals and they explored the possibilities for a solution to the dispute between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over the official name of the latter country and related matters.

The envoy noted that the leadership in Skopje has a strong desire to resolve the matter, consistent with what they regard as an acceptable and fair solution.

Earlier this week, after a round of talks with representatives of both sides, Mr. Nimetz said that a substantial gap remains between their positions, despite their willingness to continue the process of UN-led negotiations.

Tonight, Mr. Nimetz plans to meet Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis, a representative of Greece, in Thessaloniki.

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.