US: Referendum for Macedonia's Historic Name

Palmer is on a visit to Skopje, where he is meeting with senior state and political officials to express UN support for the Prespa Agreement with Greece on the Macedonia name issue and its further approach towards NATO membership and the European Union.

Palmer was hosted by President Gjorge Ivanov, while holding meetings with opposition party speaker V MRO- DPMNE, Hristian Mickovski, with that of Democratic Union for Integration Ali Ahmeti and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

His visit occurs at a time when Macedonian government authorities are trying to convince citizens of participation in the September 30th referendum, where the country's name change to “Republic of Northern Macedonia” should be formalised, for which support of the Macedonian opposition is required.

The senior US official told reporters that the referendum on September 30th will clearly be a significant date, “that will give the Macedonian public the opportunity to present his views on the” agreement.

“We hope people will come out to vote and express their will and do so in an atmosphere free of disinformation or discouragement. This is really a historic moment for Macedonia and the Prespa Agreement, and once it is ratified and implemented, the doors will be opened towards the European future for Macedonia and its people”, Palmer said, report VOA.

Meanwhile, Macedonian President Ivanov has indicated that his country has met the conditions since 2008 for NATO membership, contributing to Alliance missions and that it deserves membership without additional conditions. Regarding the agreement with Greece, President Ivanov, according to a communique from his cabinet, has stressed that he does not accept a “agreement which violates the constitution and undermines state institutions and goes to the expense of Macedonian national interests”.

Mathew Palmer will participate in the celebration of the Ilinden holiday in the town of Krushevo on Thursday, while meeting with other local officials.