UN envoy to consult with parties on former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia name issue

The United Nations envoy tasked with mediating the long-running dispute between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over the name of the latter country will hold separate technical consultations with both sides, it was announced today.

In New York, Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, will meet a delegation from Skopje on 10 July and with a delegation from Athens on 14 July.

“The purpose of these meetings is to hold working sessions focused on elements of a possible agreement,” UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters. “No joint meeting or statement is expected.”

Last month, Mr. Nimetz met with officials from the two sides, part of frequent meetings he has held in recent months to try to reach a deal. He reported 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.