UN envoy in Greece to discuss former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia name issue

The United Nations envoy tasked with mediating talks between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the dispute over the latter’s name is in Athens for talks with Greek representatives.

Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the talks, met with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis today to hear the latest views of the Greek Government.

Mr. Nimetz also conveyed the views of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the name issue after having just held two days of talks in Skopje, as well as his own amended proposals for resolving the issue.

He said Greece agreed to study the proposals and to respond soon with their comments.

Mr. Nimetz, who also met with opposition leader George Papandreou while in Athens, said he is keeping in touch with UN Member States that are interested in the name issue, as well as the European Union.

The Interim Accord of 13 September 1995, which was brokered by the UN, details the difference between the two countries on the issue. It also obliges the two sides to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to try to reach agreement.