by Aggelos Skordas
United Nations Secretary General’s Personal Envoy for the naming dispute between Greece and FYROM, Matthew Nimetz, stressed that now is the time for decisions in order to reach a solution to the 25-year-old problem. Exiting a meeting with Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias in Athens on Tuesday, Nimetz underlined that “we have to see it as the right time, we’ve been talking about it for 25 years, everyone knows what the issues are. It is time for decisions and I believe we are there”. Nimetz is visiting Athens to continue the latest round of negotiations between the two countries aiming to resolve the dispute while a visit to Skopje is scheduled for Wednesday in order to hold meetings with the country’s political leadership.
The UN Special Mediator characterised the meeting as “constructive” and explained that he took note of the Greek side’s views, noting that “the Greek government is very sincere and energetic towards the solution of the problem”. “There are several difficult issues for many years, but there is will and I also believe in Skopje”, he said adding that the “momentum is positive”. Furthermore, he appeared positive towards the Greek positions and stressed that he has already presented both sides with certain ideas, although they are not yet to be discussed publicly: “There have been leaks regarding these ideas, but I do not think it is appropriate to discuss them in public.”
“Both governments may have their own ideas and hopefully they can use some of my own. I never give final ideas, I am a mediator, I am not a judge”, Nimetz underlined, while characterising the following weeks as “of consultation”, in order for both sides to evaluate the process of the negotiations.
On his behalf Greece’s Foreign Minister also characterised the meeting as “constructive and productive”. While addressing the press he added: “I explained to him our proposal for a pact, I told him what it could and what it must include. I told him my thought: Which parts of his proposals I find positive and we can adopt them and which parts concern us. But even where we have concerns, we have proposed alternative solutions and methods. I think, in good faith, we have to work towards this direction.” Answering a question Kotzias underlined that the sooner a solution is reached the better. After the meeting Nimetz joined Kotzias for a working dinner.
Nimetz proposed names for FYROM:
According to Greek media reports these are the four Slavic renditions of the four names for FYROM tabled by Nimetz: Republika Nova Makedonija (Republic of New Macedonia), Republika Severna Makedonija (Republic of Northern Macedonia), Republika Gorna Makedonija (Republic of Upper Macedonia), Republika Vardarska Makedonija (Republic of Macedonia of Varda). Same sources indicate the Greek side has already ruled out the name Rebublika Makedonija – (Skopje).
The Greek position is that the agreed name has to be used erga omnes (towards all). Additionally, in an interview with Greek public broadcaster ERT on Monday, Kotzias indicated that the government would accept a name containing the term “Makedonia” but not “Macedonia”. “Mr. Nimetz has made some proposals that we do not necessarily agree with… What matters is that the word used in a composite name is not in English, but in Slavic”, he explained.
