The positions of Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the official name of the latter country remain wide apart, despite intense efforts to broker a solution in recent months and the acknowledgement of both sides that a settlement would be in their best interests, the United Nations envoy on the issue told reporters today.

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.

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.