Tsipras ready for agreement with Macedonia

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras says he is willing to accept a <x0 composite” that includes the name “Macedonia” to resolve the old dispute over its Balkan neighbour's name.

Tsipras' TV comments made on January 27th came after talks he held in Athens with key leaders, including those of opposition parties, in an effort to establish a common strategy in the UN's upcoming negotiations on this topic.

Tsipras failed to receive support from opposition parties, where new Conservative Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that “will not share Greeks to join Skopje”.

The Greek prime minister said later that Mitsotakis is highly influenced by <x0-Retremists” in his party.

We must not listen to nationalistic calls, nor to fanatics”, he added, reports the REL, broadcast Koha.net.

He acknowledged that there is still a long way ahead of finding the solution, but said he is willing to accept a composite “name... with geographical or historical reference” that would include the name “Macedonia”.

That could include a name like Greater or New Macedonia, he said.

Macedonia's state and political leaders discussed UN mediator Matthew's proposals Nimetz, for resolving the name dispute with Greece, but was not given details from this meeting that has lasted until midnight on Saturday.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said after the meeting that he is optimistic that a national compromise on the dispute over the name could be reached, but also called for caution or restraint from comments in order not to damage the negotiation process.

The “was an information meeting regarding the ideas proposed by mediator Matthew Nimetz. This process requires responsibility. We aim to ensure progress and protection of national interests. The important thing is the involvement of all in this” process, Zaev said, stressing that the solution is possible if, according to him, there is will from the Greek side.

The Government head has declined to comment on Greek positions, while warning of the formation of working groups even on the matter of textbooks.

Even the president of state, Gjorge Ivanov, gave no details from the state and political leader's talks, but said it is realistic from his political experience.

I expect the Government to inform us of all activities. This process continues to take place in the United Nations. For no pressure, we agreed not to comment on the” proposal, President Ivanov stressed.

V Leader The opposition MRO DPMNE, Hristian Mickovski, said his party supports integration, but also stressed readiness for, as expressed, protection of national interests, while responsibility for reaching the agreement has left the Government.

“Macedonia should be part of NATO and the EU, while V MRO DPMNE remains the defence wall of state and national interests. The proposals, which are submitted by the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, are more or less known for the opinion. This meeting had to happen earlier, now we have the information and now the responsibility for the process lies with the government”, Mickovski said, avoiding the question of whether this position also implies distanceing the opposition from the process of reaching national consensus.

In this meeting, only did DUI chairman Ali Ahmeti, who praised the meeting as the most fruitful so far held on the name issue.

This was one of the most productive meetings. You've been informed of the Zaev épras meeting. I appreciate the dialogue in search of a solution. This is the beginning of the end of this process. It is important that we be part of NATO, in peace and stability”, Ahmeti said.

The meeting of state leaders came after the meeting of prime ministers Zorav Zaev and Alexis Tsipras in Davos, where they stressed commitment to resolving the 25-year conflict.

As a sign of goodwill and commitment to closing the dispute, Prime Minister Zaev announced the Government's decision to change the appointment of Skopje's airport and the highway bearing the name of Alexander the Great, the hero of both states, while Greece has agreed to enable Macedonia's membership in some initiatives it had previously blocked.

Athens, meanwhile, has reiterated the stance that it wants to find a name for comprehensive use, including changing Macedonia's Constitution.

Media in both countries have reported mediator Nimetz has proposed five possible names such as New Macedonia, Northern Macedonia, Upper Macedonia, Macedonia and Vardar and Macedonia Skopje. But all these names, as media have broadcast, will be in Macedonian for both domestic and international use.