by Aggelos Skordas
Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his FYROM counterpart Zoran Zaev held an hour-long phone conversation on Monday. According to the Greek Premier’s office, a second phone appointment has been scheduled for Tuesday morning, as no agreement has been reached on the longstanding naming dispute. Local media indicate that the call between the two leaders was held “good will”. The two Premiers’ communication, though, suggests the launching of developments in the neighbouring country’s name.
Earlier, Greek government sources reiterated that Athens insists on a complex name that will be used for all purposes (erga omnes), while Tsipras had met with Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias to discuss the developments on the negotiations with Skopje. Among other prerequisites for a solution, the Greek side has demanded FYROM to proceed with a constitutional amendment that would wipe out all irredentist claims.
On his behalf, Zaev expressed his hopes for a settlement within June and specifically before the Summit of the European Union on June 28 and 29. “The days are numbered”, he characteristically stressed, adding that “these are the final moments of our efforts to harmonise our positions. Once it happens, we will announce together the happy news both for the citizens of Macedonia (sic) and the citizens of Greece”.
