UN mediator hopeful over FYROM name resolution

Matthew Nimetz, the United Nations Special Representative mediating between Greece and FYROM over the resolution of the latter’s name expressed his optimism for this round of negotiations during a television interview on Monday.

During his interview on national broadcaster ERT, Nimetz pointed to the positive and constructive climate of the negotiations thanks to the Confidence Building Measures initiated by Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and the measured and non-provocative approach of FYROM’s new government.

“There is a positive momentum in both countries", as the "new government in Skopje is very interested in resolving this issue", but also "the Greek government recognises that it would be good for the issue to be resolved," said Nimetz

Nimetz said that he would propose ideas that have been put on the table in the past, and he confirmed that there is talk of some form of qualifier in the name. He also estimated that if Athens and Skopje find a solution to the name dispute, they can also find a solution to other related problems and expressed the hope that citizens will see the solution with seriousness and support it.

"I think citizens in both countries may be ready to hear about solutions that are in line with their national interests, but they also have compromise elements that will resolve the issue," he noted.