Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: UN envoy holds talks on name issue

A United Nations envoy has held talks today in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which is involved in a long-standing dispute with neighbouring Greece over its name.

Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, met today with the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other officials from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and heard detailed assessments of their latest positions.

Yesterday Mr. Nimetz had what he said was a “good meeting” with the Greek Foreign Minister and other Greek officials in Athens. No specific new proposals were put forth but the “outline of a solution” was discussed.

Mr. Nimetz has frequently held talks with the two sides in recent months – including a round earlier this month in New York – to try to reach a deal, but he said in March that there has been no progress on the issue, despite an acknowledgement by both sides that a solution was in their best interests.

The Interim Accord of 13 September 1995, which was brokered by the UN, details the difference between Athens and Skopje on the name issue. It obliges the two sides to continue negotiations under the Secretary-General’s auspices in a bid to reach agreement.