Macedonia

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Debate for language law delayed, 35,569 pages need to be translated in Albanian

http://www.minareport.com/2018/01/29/debate-for-language-law-delayed-35569-pages-need-to-be-translated-in-albanian/

Illegitimate Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi postponed the debate on the Law on Languages, which was the eighth item on the agenda of today’s 32nd session because, as he said, “there are no technical conditions for a review.”

– Having in mind the formal procedure for processing all the amendments which number 35,569, they are not finalized. And the obligation for translation of these documents is not fulfilled – said Xhaferi.

In essence, the language law which the Government acts as if it has passed even though it hasn’t, is preventing SDSM and DUI to fast forward with adoption of the Tirana platform.

Kotzias: Greece to present four-point agreement to Macedonia

http://english.republika.mk/kotzias-greece-to-present-four-point-agreement-to-macedonia/

Name proposals, irredentism, international and regional relations of Macedonia and measures for positive agenda are four points of the draft agreement which Greece is to forward to Macedonia by mid-February, Greek FM Nikos Kotzias told Greece’s state broadcaster ERT, MIA reports from Athens.

Kotzias said that the agreement is still in formulation phase and firstly will be presented to the Greek, and afterwards to the Macedonian government. If approved, it will be the basis for solving the problem, and it should get green light from the parliaments of both countries thus opening Macedonia’s road to NATO and EU.

This agreement will include all topics related to the name issue. Special chapter on irredentism, but also on topics related to the country’s future, its integration into international organisations and a positive agenda, how to further develop our relations, Kotzias said, explaining that the Greek side is still preparing a draft agreement, and he expects to be forwarded to the Macedonian government in the middle of February.

He confirmed that (UN) mediator presented five concrete proposals, four names in Macedonian language and one Macedonia (Skopje), while in regard to the Greek positions he said that in his opinion the name should be complex containing the term Macedonia, “not to be in English, to be in the language or languages of this country, without translation.” As examples of the international experience of such a formula, Kotzias mentioned Sri Lanka as a country with one, untranslated name, and Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan as states, whose names are complex words and employ the same suffix “stan.”

The first thing in the talks will be the name, the content of the name and adjective of the name, because the second element of the name will contain the term Macedonia as a geographical area. The second thing is whether the name will have one or two words. Thirdly whether it will be introduced in the language of the country or in the international language, and the fourth whether it will be translated or not, Kotzias said, MIA reports.

In regard to the name negotiations, Kotzias reiterated his position that the name includes seven issues: the name, use of the name, the identity, the language, trade use, acronyms and signs.

Kotzias explained that if Macedonian side backs the agreement, then it will have to be approved by the parliaments of both countries, in accordance with the constitutional provisions for approval of an international agreement.

Macedonian Constitution needs to be changed

Kotzias in the interview explained that Macedonia needs to make constitutional changes to any settlement agreement between the two countries, MIA reports. Asked about what should be changed in the Constitution, Kotzias cited the preamble and two Articles, without revealing further details.

Any agreement that will happen, if it is not accompanied by constitutional changes, or if you want to say, adjustments, it can later be changed by any new prime minister from another political party. The current government of this country will find itself in a difficult position if the Constitution does not change, and it concludes international agreements and the next government will tell them that they acted unconstitutionally, Kotzias said, adding that Zaev’s government at this moment has no two-thirds majority to change the Constitution, and the first thing to do is open the process for changes.

Greece wants a package of solution

We will not divide the problem into parts, Kotzias said, by which he indirectly rejected Nimetz’s proposal, published in the Greek media for the gradual solution of the issue.

Kotzias said that he wants full use of the solution, which, according to him, means changing the Macedonian passports and ID cards. He supported this position by examples from his experience as an academician and expert on globalization.

“When I became a minister, in order to explain to everyone, I always had an ID and a passport with me. And I always told them: What is the passport? international document. What is an ID card? internal document. What is an ID card in the EU? An international document, because it is in Latin alphabet. It is the dilemma that there are no classic internal documents like in the 19th century and there is a difference between them,” Kotzias explained in the interview.

No NATO membership without agreement

Kotzias did not want to speak about specific time-frames for a solution, and if an agreement is not reached until the NATO Summit, he said that Macedonia without an agreement will not join the North Atlantic Alliance.

NATO process is not that we want to get them into NATO, but they are seeking to be admitted to NATO. In the negotiations we use the fact that they want to become a NATO member, Kotzias said, while in relation to possible pressures from third parties, he underlined that he has sent a message to everyone, both to the EU, NATO, and to the US and Russia, not to interfere, because “the one that interferes is doing badly and does not want a solution to be found.”

Greece recognised the Macedonian language in 1997

Speaking about the derived words originating from the name, Kotzias told that the term “Macedonian language” was recognized by Greece in 1997 at the UN conference held in Athens.

“Do you know when the name “Macedonian language” is accepted in the UN? Do you know when the Greek side made the agreement for the first time for the language of this country to be called Macedonian? I’ll tell you. During the rule of Konstantinos Karamanlis in 1997. Do you know where this happened? It happened at a UN conference organised in Athens,” Kotzias told in the interview with Greece’s state broadcaster ERT, MIA reports.

Irony: DPMNE informs EU’s Hahn how bad Macedonia is now

http://www.minareport.com/2018/01/29/irony-dpmne-informs-eus-hahn-how-bad-macedonia-is-now/

DPME President Hristijan Mickoski is in Brussels, where he met with EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn, and plans to meet with Federika Mogherini and Joseph Dol.

He also posted a statement on his PB profile after the meeting with Han.

“In the framework of the visit of the delegation of VMRO-DPMNE in Brussels, we met with the Commissioner, Mr. Johannes Khan. The meeting is about the integration of the Republic of Macedonia within the European Union. We talked about the reforms and the reform processes that should happen in the Republic of Macedonia, but unfortunately they are lagging behind.

The abuse of power by the government led by the Social Democratic Union, the bad economic moves, the bad reforms in the economy, the economic downturn, have all become a norm now”- says Mickoski.

The irony of course is, Mickovski goes to Brussels to complain to the very people (Hahn and Co) who spent three years and 150m euros of ‘NGO’ money to install Zaev in power.

Sometimes you have to wonder whether there is anyone at the DPMNE with the ability to think.

 

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UN mediator Nimetz arrives in Skopje to meet Ivanov, Zaev, Dimitrov, Mickoski and Ahmeti

http://english.republika.mk/un-mediator-nimetz-arrives-in-skopje-to-meet-ivanov-zaev-dimitrov-mickoski-and-ahmeti/

UN name mediator Matthew Nimetz following his visit to Athens, has arrived Wednesday in Skopje for two-day talks with the Macedonian top officials.

Nimetz with his associates was in the Skopje hotel “Holiday Inn” Wednesday morning, but he did not give any statement to the media.

Nimetz is to give a statement after his meeting with FM Nikola Dimitrov.

As announced, he will be received by President Gjorge Ivanov and PM Zoran Zaev and will hold meetings with FM Nikola Dimitrov, VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti.

There’s momentum, it’s time for making decisions, UN name mediator Matthew Nimetz said after his meeting Tuesday in Athens with Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

Nimetz and Kotzias discussed the ideas tabled by the UN envoy two weeks ago. After being briefed on the government’s positions, Nimetz said there were willingness demonstrated by the two parties to reach an agreement.

“I think there is a momentum here. Waiting makes no sense, makes no sense in the northern neighbor, in general it makes no sense. We have been discussing the matter for 25 years, everyone knows the issues. It’s time to make decisions and I think we have reached that point,” the UN envoy told reporters after the meeting with Kotzias falling short to provide a concrete timeline. There will be talks in the coming weeks after which the situation should be re-examined, according to him, MIA reported from Athens.

Name proposals, irredentism, international and regional relations of Macedonia and measures for positive agenda are four points of the draft agreement which Greece is to forward to Macedonia by mid-February, Greek FM Nikos Kotzias told Greece’s state broadcaster ERT, MIA reports from Athens.

The agreement will not be a matter of ‘take it or leave it’ as the other party will have an opportunity to intervene with own proposals, Greek FM Nikos Kotzias said Tuesday in regard to a draft document covering ‘all open issues relating to the name’ he had announced at yesterday’s interview with the state broadcaster ERT.

Ahead of the visit of the UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz, appointed to broker the name talks, we emphasize that by publicly revealing ultimate positions, the room for negotiating could be diminished, the office of Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov told MIA.

“On our part, we have shown good will for a mutually acceptable solution that will abide by the interests, dignity and identity of the two nations. To reach an agreement requires the other party to show good will, too,” Dimitrov’s office said.

Nimetz from Skopje: It’s time to make decision in coming weeks – months

http://english.republika.mk/nimetz-from-skopje-its-time-to-make-decision-in-coming-weeks-months/

I believe it’s time to make a decision in the coming weeks – months. All issues have been put on the table for discussion, they will not become easier in the future, we must face them. We have two governments with decisive leaders and competent governments and we need to move forward quickly, trying to present some of these ideas again to both sides and move closer to a solution. In the coming months, we will see if we are approaching a solution, UN envoy Matthew Nimetz said at a press conference in the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“I do not want to underestimate the differences in views, I hope they will be resolved, but there is a positive moment that needs to be used. Now is the right time to reach a solution so that the region finally moves forward, with the two countries resuming their cooperation and friendship,” added Nimetz.

He said he did not want to speculate on what would happen if the Macedonian – Greek name negotiations failed.

“We have got to a point where both sides are working hard to find a solution. I have yet not heard anything from the Greek side that would deny the identity of the people here and I believe the solution, which is possible, is consistent with maintaining, even strengthening the identity. I am an optimist. In this context, there are differences in positions of the two countries, but I haven’t heard any denial of the identity from Athens,” Nimitz said.

According to him, the authorities in Skopje are qualified and competent to maintain the people’s identity.

“I believe the people in the country should not be concerned about having a government that takes care of their identity. There are issues in the UN context such as definition of the language, definitions used internationally. People are concerned that this is an aspect that refers to identity. Some of those issues are subject to discussion. I believe the identity of nations across the globe is defined by the nations themselves. UN works with countries and the way their names are used within the UN, it does not deal with the fact how they identify themselves and does not discuss the identity,” stressed Nimetz.

Shameful and humiliating: Are we going to be citizens of Republika GornaMakedonija?!

http://english.republika.mk/are-we-going-to-be-citizens-of-republika-gornamakedonija/

Republika GornaMakedonija (Republic of Upper Macedonia) is the new name Greece proposed for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Greek Reporter reports.

Local media claim exclusive information from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggests out of four names proposed to UN mediator Matthew Nimetz, Republika GornaMakedonija in Slavic is the one which seems acceptable to both sides.

For Athens, GornaMakedonija is one word and with its Slavic pronunciation it does not sound like Macedonia. At the same time, the word ‘Macedonia‘ by itself is absent from the name.

According to reports, the same source said Skopje had initially asked for the name to be Republika Nova Makedonija (Republic of New Macedonia), while the Greek side had suggested that the neighboring country be called Republika Vardarska Makedonija (Republic of Macedonia of Vardar).

The third solution chosen from Nimetz’s package — the Republic of Gorna-Makedonia (Upper Macedonia) — was agreed upon by both countries.

Both sides have reportedly agreed to the name and an official agreement will be signed in the near future. In order for Skopje to sign, the Balkan country’s constitution has to change so there are no irredentist articles which claim territory in northern Greece.

The agreement will explicitly state that Skopje will change its constitution and the redundant articles within a certain period of time.

It will also describe in detail the economic and developmental relations between the two countries. The same sources claim the agreement will be submitted to the UN by March 20.

United Nations envoy in the name issue Matthew Nimetz is set to meet today with President Gjorge Ivanov, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, VMRO-DPMNE leader Histijan Mickovski, and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti.

Financial Times: Tsipras plays poker over Macedonia

http://english.republika.mk/ft-tsipras-plays-poker-over-macedonia/

Alexis Tsipras is battling fierce popular and political resistance to any use of the term “Macedonia” in the name of the country. On the other hand, the diplomatic rewards he could gain from the name dispute resolution are tempting. The compromise could see him feted as the Otto von Bismarck of the Balkans, the writes in its article “Tsipras plays poker over Macedonia.”

The influential British paper in its historical overview of the two countries’ name dispute emphasizes that around 60 percent of Greeks are opposed to the term Macedonia still being part of a composite name, and points out that thousands took to the streets to protest in Thessaloniki earlier this month. It also mentions the mass demonstration that is expected in Athens on Sunday.

According to the FT, Greece’s opposition New Democracy party have attacked Tsipras for blindsiding them in talks with Skopje. The Church of Greece, which had initially backed Tsipras, is now against a compromise. Add into the mix the ultra-nationalists who rule in coalition with Tsipras — and who have put the Macedonian question at the heart of their identity politics — and it all looks like an intractable mess, the newspaper writes.

“Even touching the issue is a high-risk strategy for the Syriza leader in a year where he should be celebrating Greece’s exit from eight years of financial bailouts,” the FT says in its analysis. “Still, the diplomatic rewards are tempting. Under pressure from Washington — which wants Macedonia to join Nato’s ranks as soon as this year — and an EU establishment that is mulling the issue of Greek debt relief, a Tsipras-led compromise could see him feted as the Otto von Bismarck of the Balkans.”

For the aggrieved Greeks, who have been under the tutelage of outside creditors for nearly a decade, it may prove to be one indignity too many, the newspaper concludes.

Greek FM: We approve of Makedonija, but not the English version

http://www.minareport.com/2018/01/30/greek-fm-we-approve-of-makedonija-but-not-the-english-version/

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kodzias says Greece wants Macedonia to only have the local language for its name, and not the English translation for it.

He points out that it is important that the name in the coinage be in the language of the country, which means without translation, and that would mean an acceptable solution regarding the word Macedonia, but not with “Macedonia” in English, according to the portal Index.

Now is the time for a decision to solve the 25-year-old name dispute over the name between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, UN mediator Matthew Nimetz said in Athens after meeting with the Greek foreign minister.

Athens has been very careful to ensure the name “Macedonia” becomes a Greek possession for tourism and historical purposes. Macedonia is the only country/former kingdom and empire in the world which has continuously kept its name from Biblical times. With the current Macedonian Government, Greece’s desires will likely become reality.

Greek anarchists warn ‘bloodshed’ at Athens protest against name Macedonia

http://english.republika.mk/greek-anarchists-warn-bloodshed-at-athens-protest-against-name-macedonia/

Greek anarchist group Rubicon has warned there will be ‘bloodshed’ at the Athens protest against name Macedonia on February 4, organized by right-wing organizations and supported by some political parties and church officials.

Anarchists said at social networks that February 4 would be their day, a day of casualties, adding they would not allow provocations from fascists during the event, reports Greek website in.gr.

New Democracy vice-president Adonis Georgiadis has said the warning is an attempt to scare people away from the protest.

“Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will bear the responsibility if the masked persons come to hinder us and use force,” tweeted Georgiadis.

Velinovska: Debt acquired by Illegal Macedonian Government will not be recognized

http://www.minareport.com/2018/01/31/velinovska-debt-acquired-from-illegal-macedonian-government-will-not-be-recognized/

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PM Zaev hopes for name solution by mid-2018

http://english.republika.mk/pm-zaev-hopes-for-name-solution-by-mid-2018/

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expects a solution to the 25-year-long name dispute with Greece by mid-2018 and activation of the NATO membership invitation for Macedonia at the June summit.

PM Zaev told Bulgarian TV station Nova that a possible solution would be subject to referendum approval.

“The referendum should serve as an additional guarantee for our Greek friends, because it will remove all doubts, while the people will stand behind the solution. I am convinced that Macedonians are prepared for this. However, we are still in the midst of negotiations and I hope the solution will preserve the dignity of Macedonian and Greek citizens,” says Zaev.

According to him, efforts are invested for the opening of debates in both countries over a mutually acceptable solution.

“I hope we will reach solutions acceptable for both parties, because the settlement should maintain the dignity and identity of both countries. This is the only way to build partnerships and this requires a sustainable foundation,” stresses PM Zaev.

Name dispute will be settled by June, Kotzias tells Reuters

http://english.republika.mk/name-dispute-will-be-settled-by-june-kotzias-tells-reuters/

Greece will soon submit draft proposals to resolve its decades-old name row with Macedonia, its foreign minister tells Reuters, adding that a settlement could be reached in the coming months.

The two countries have agreed to step up negotiations this year to resolve the dispute, which has frustrated the ambitions of Greece’s small northern neighbor to join NATO and the European Union. Greece is a member of both.

Greece objects to the former Yugoslav republic’s use of the name Macedonia, arguing that it, along with contentious articles in Skopje’s constitution, could imply territorial claims over its own northern region of the same name.

Greeks are proud of their links to Macedonian empire-builder Alexander the Great, who spread Hellenistic culture across the ancient world.

“In life, Alexander the Great … proved we should cut Gordian knots. At some point we should finish with such issues,” Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias says in an interview with Reuters.

Asked what would constitute progress for Athens if the dispute with Skopje was not settled by June, he says: ‘It will be settled.’

Kotzias said there was a new momentum to settle the dispute since a more moderate government was elected in Macedonia last year and following three years of trust-building efforts.

“We want to solve it. It’s in our national interest and in the interests of the region, for stability, security and economic growth,” Kotzias says, notifying that Athens is working on a draft which could form the basis of discussion.

“It won’t be a Greek text containing only our views, nor a done deal-compromise. It will be a text which we consider could be the basis upon which we could start to cooperate,” he says, expressing hope for the draft to be ready in February.

For Athens, the name Macedonia refers to a large area of the central Balkans, most of which lies in Greece. The most profound difference between the two sides is over references in Skopje’s national constitution, Kotzias says. Greece perceives them as implying territorial claims and says they must be changed.

More than 140 countries worldwide refer to the republic as Macedonia.

Greece has previously said a compromise could include a compound name with a geographical or chronological qualifier, and be the only name used for the country.

But the leftist-led government has failed to muster wider political support for its negotiating stance or for any suggested name that includes the word Macedonia.

“Let me tell you a paradox. Let’s say we don’t reach agreement today, what name is left?” says Kotzias when asked about that lack of support.

“Internationally, we will be left with plain ‘Macedonia, therefore we will have no gain, and in our (bilateral) relations left with Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’,” he adds.

‘Grammatically, it’s a name which still includes the name Macedonia, which is compound and with chronological definition. So we are just fooling ourselves with linguistic acrobatics.’

For Kotzias the recent protests in Greece against any use by the neighboring state of the name Macedonia are signs of democracy.

“In both countries, people who do not agree to a good compromise … do not have bad intent,” Kotzias says.

“They are simply people who see the problem from a different angle, without taking into account the historical (background) or future cooperation prospects,” he says.

“We have to respect this history and learn from it, but not be trapped in it,” the Greek FM tells Reuters.

Sekerinska: If name proposal offers better future, it is true defense of identity

http://english.republika.mk/sekerinska-if-name-proposal-offers-better-future-it-is-true-defense-of-identity/

If the proposals we receive are not good for our national interests, we will have no dilemmas that they should not be accepted. But if we have a proposal on the table that will provide a better future and life for the citizens, it will be a true defense of the identity, Minister of Defense Radmila Sekerinska stated Thursday on TV21’s Click Plus talk show on the name talks with Greece.

Rama: I remain on the position that I and my party officialized the Albanian language in Macedonia

http://english.republika.mk/rama-i-remain-on-the-position-that-i-and-my-party-officialized-the-albanian-language-in-macedonia/

On Albanian TV Vizion Plus’ “Real Story” talk show, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that he and his party continue to hold the position that he, as prime minister, brought about the adoption of the Law on Languages in Macedonia.

Rama said that President Giorgi Ivanov had complexes about the Albanian language.

“We are not involved in the sense of supporting one side in the political conflict between the Macedonian parties, we are included in the function of uniting the Albanian factor and advancing the agenda of the Albanians, universally referred to as the Ohrid Agreement, where Albanian language is an essential element, which means that without the Socialist Party of Albania and its government there would not have been such a result that until a few years ago was unthinkable, where the Albanian language would be officialized in a completely different way. Like the Chams, our colleagues from the former Macedonian government told us that we had the right to interfere in the Ohrid Agreement, while at the joint meeting of the two governments, the Albanian Deputy Prime Minister in Macedonia, before the Prime Minister of Albania, informed about the promotion of the agenda of Albanians in the territories of Macedonia,” Rama said.

Rama added that he wanted a Macedonia where the two state-based nations would live in a guaranteed harmony. According to him, he is a patriot, not a nationalist who wishes for misfortune of others because that can lead the country to trouble.

 

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EU’s Chief of Drunkenness to visit Macedonia, to convince us to pick another name

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/02/eus-chief-of-drunkenness-to-visit-macedonia-to-convince-us-to-pick-another-name/

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker arrives in Macedonia at the end of February, Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani confirmed in the evening debate on the debut show “Top Theme” on Telma TV.

Osmani believes that this will be a visit to boost the reforms, because he is confident that Macedonia will be part of the EC’s strategic document for enlargement in the Western Balkans, which should be announced in Brussels next week.

Osmani’s forecasts are that Macedonia will receive a date for start of membership negotiations at the Summit in June.

Juncker’s mission will primarily focus on convincing Macedonian politicians of the benefits of renaming the country, such as entrance into the EU. Ironically, official Brussels has stated that it will not consider new EU member states until at least 2025.

Juncker and Mogherini to visit Macedonia

http://english.republika.mk/juncker-and-mogherini-to-visit-macedonia/

Diplomatic sources told TV21 say that the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will visit Macedonia at the end of this month.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, is also expected visit Macedonia. According to TV21’s information, her visit is planned for March.

The other countries of the Western Balkans will also be on the agenda of Juncker and Mogherini.

Nimetz: We are closer now than we’ve ever been to reaching a solution

http://english.republika.mk/nimetz-we-are-closer-now-than-weve-ever-been-to-reaching-a-solution/

I definitely think this a historic opportunity. Whether we reach a solution, we still have some ways to go, but I think we are closer now than we have ever been and the will on both sides, leadership level and also among I think most of the people is positive, UN mediator Matthew Nimetz said in the interview with show ‘360 Degrees’ on Alsat-M TV.

“I think believe the time has come to resolve this issue let’s get it behind us, let’s move forward and recognising that there are issues which are not resolved, but we are moving in the right direction.

He said that in both Athens and Skopje not everyone is happy with everything I said in my ideas and these are meant to be suggestions till the parties move them closer.

“I made some suggestions and I hear from both sides their views and I will try to pull some of this together. But also two foreign ministers have a dialogue, they know each other well and the two governments will ultimately to work out for a solution,” he said.

He said that his ideas were fairly concrete and after he heard from both sides some ideas can be eliminated, some can be refined, narrow some of the difference, some issues may be solved and some issue may be more difficult but he is an optimistic that a solution can be found to resolve this difference.

In regard to question how he assess the renaming of airport and highway, Nimetz said that it is major step forward, with almost historic dimension, because he does not remember better meeting between two prime ministers since 1994/95.

“I give prime ministers a lot of credit, I give credit to PM Zaev for making these important gestures to create good will in the region and good will toward neighbour,” Nimetz said.

Related to the international use of possible agreed name envisages this new name to be present on the passports or other ID documents, Nimetz said that passports are international documents and if there is an agreement on the modification of name it would be applicable to documents as passports.

“In my experience countries do fulfill agreements, when they do not fulfill them there are mechanisms to dealing with it, but in this case there is clearly concern by both sides as to whether the other side will be able to fulfill the commitment. When you are in this position, when there is a concern of not complete trust and I think the leadership of both countries are working very hard to overcome the sense of lack of trust, but it takes political will and documentation. So we try on both sides,” Nimetz stressed.

In relation to the direction in which the process will continue and when he expects foreign ministers of two countries to meet, Nimetz said that he talks with two ministers about the process and they still not agree on exact date or exact methodology to move forward.

“In my view we should move within weeks, this is not something to be stretched out. I think there is certain momentum, a positive momentum. I do know that there is opposition in both countries to some of the ideas and even maybe opposition to having an agreement. The governments of both countries want an agreement and I think the people of both countries would love this to be settled. We have talked about for 25 years the issues are on the table, we know the issues, we know possible solutions. This is time for decisions and not just abstract talks, we need to sit down and say can we actually resolve this. I think with the leadership of both countries some good ideas on the table we make a real effort,” Nimetz said in the interview.

Macedonia: A Name Worth Fighting For

https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/macedonia-name-worth-fighting

 

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Greek daily “To Vima” publishes Nimetz ‘set of ideas’ over name issue

http://english.republika.mk/greek-daily-to-vima-publishes-nimetz-set-of-ideas-over-name-issue/

The new name to be used internally and internationally after the country integrates in the EU, no mandatory constitutional change, non-exclusivity clause on terms “Macedonia” and “Macedonian” for commercial uses, the new name to be used not translated or translated at the discretion of each party, read the proposals from the ‘set of ideas’ of United Nations envoy Matthew Nimetz, released by Greek daily “To Vima” on Monday, MIA reports from Athens.

“To Vima” reads that the set of ideas that Nimetz presented to the countries’ negotiators on January 17 does not include a mandatory change of the FYROM constitution regarding the name or other points that some consider to have irredentist content. The Macedonian government has the authority to decide what “binding, credible and irreversible national procedures” will be for the implementation of the solution. Nimetz suggests that the two countries should reaffirm that they do not have territorial aspirations or claims (this proposal is on the basis of reciprocity), and that they both respect the cultural heritage of the other.

The adoption of a new and permanent name, which will apply erga omnes both internationally and internally, is linked directly with the accession to the European Union. This means that the current constitutional name will remain in force in the country until that time.

“Regarding the invitation and accession to NATO, Nimetz notes that by the date on which Skopje formally joins the North Atlantic Alliance, the country should have taken all necessary steps to conduct bilateral relations with the remaining member states on the basis of the new official name to be listed alphabetically under the English letter ‘M’, reads “To Vima”.

Citing the envoy’s document, the newspaper lists the names (in Slavic script) that have already been seen, namely the “Republic of Upper Macedonia” (Republika Gorna Makedonija), “Republic of Northern Macedonia” (Republika Severna Makedonija), “Republic of Vardar Macedonia” (Republika Vardarska Makedonija), “Republic of New Macedonia” (Republika Nova Makedonija) and “Republic of Macedonia (Skopje)” (Republika Makedonija (Skopje), adding that Nimetz remains open to other proposals. In his text he uses “Republika Gorna Makedonija” as an example to present his ideas”, hence the confusion that has recently been caused that the two sides have already agreed on this name.

“On the issues of nationality and language (which are the two pillars of identity and caused tension during the recent visit of Mr Nimetz to Skopje and what he said along with the Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov), the special envoy proposes the choice between either the Slavic version of ‘makedonski’ or the description based on its official name or its short version (eg. citizen of the “Republic of Upper Macedonia”),” reads the paper.

Regarding commercial use, Nimetz reverts to the term “non-exclusive use” of the terms “Macedonia” and “Macedonian”. It calls on both sides to come to an agreement that will be applicable in all languages for the use of these terms.

“Also with regard to the translation of the new name from both parties involved, as well as from UN member states and third parties, they will be able to translate it or choose to keep it not translated – a preference already expressed by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias,” notes “To Vima”.

According to the paper, chapters on the implementation of the solution and range of use, as stated in the set of Ideas, should be seen in combination.

“The implementation of the solution, according to Mr Nimetz, will result from the combination of the deposit of a report by the UN Secretary-General to the UN Security Council, a resolution to be agreed upon by the Security Council, the ratification of the solution by the United Nations General Assembly, the bilateral agreement between Athens and Skopje, but also ‘binding, credible and irreversible national procedures’ by FYROM, including the adoption of legislation by parliament and executive and, to the extent deemed necessary, including legal measures necessary,” reads “To Vima”.

It adds that Nimetz also proposes a process in several stages with regard to the range of use. The initial stage envisages that after the adoption of the relevant resolution on the new official name by the Security Council, it will be used ‘in all formal multilateral international frameworks, including meetings, treaties, agreements and official documents’. In addition, the country will have to ‘make its best efforts’ so that the new name ‘is used in the United Nations system and other multinational organizations’. At the same time, however, Mr. Nimetz makes three notes.

“First, Makedonija, in its untranslated or translated form, will not be used by Skopje as the official name of the state in any context. Second, terms ‘former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’ and ‘fYROM’ will cease to be used as references to Skopje. Third, and most importantly, the term ‘Republic of Macedonia’ (Republika Makedonija) will continue to be used internally until the date of accession to the EU,” says “To Vima”.

The paper also analyses the prerequisites and possible complications that could arise, but also sections that require clarifications from the mediator.

“Mr Nimetz underlines that even after EU accession, there may be exceptions to the use of the new erga omnes name for all official purposes internally as well as internationally. What are these exceptions? When ‘use is exclusively internal’ (within FYROM) and ‘the affected internal activity and documents’ related to it ‘are not within the competence of the European Union’. Mr Nimetz, however, refrains from specifying exactly what he says, exacerbating the confusion. This will be a point that will require serious clarification as the EU accession process is usually long and the neighboring country has a long way to go,” notes “To Vima”.

Diplomatic sources in Athens also pointed out that “the implementation of the solution will be gradual but will also require specific guarantees in view of Macedonia’s accession to NATO”. Circles of the Alliance noted that between a country’s invitation to join and a final membership, there is a period that is not binding (although the practice shows that it does not exceed 4 months).

“At the same time, a number of major European NATO member countries (Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain) have expressed reservations about Macedonia’s accession to the Alliance due to the internal policy of instability,” underlines “To Vima”.

 

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Kotzias: New name is arranged, not sure why Zaev is not releasing info at home (Video)

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/05/kotzias-new-name-is-arranged-not-sure-why-zaev-is-not-releasing-info-at-home/

“The Greek government assumed responsibility to announce to the public that it wanted a change of Macedonia’s name, the name would be complex for overall use, specifically defined, and we have publicly announced this and pointed out that it will contain the term “Macedonia”. We have finished our end of the job, I still expect the Government in Skopje to officially announce the agreement to their public and tell which adjective will be in front of a noun and publicly disclose this” – says Kotzias in an interview with Euronews.

According to Kodzias in Davos, the two PMs gave a word and reached an agreement, and in relation to identity issues, Greece’s attitudes would be announced in the further course of the talks. Language and nationality are part of the agreement.

According to our sources and speculations within the SDSM, Zaev had agreed to “UpperMacedonia”.

Government says public to be fully informed, solution is possible

http://english.republika.mk/government-says-public-to-be-fully-informed-solution-is-possible/

The processes leading to a dignified solution to open issues between the Republic of Greece and the Republic of Macedonia as two neighboring European countries were unlocked for the first time in two decades at the bilateral meeting between Prime Ministers Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras at the Economic Forum in Davos. The public was fully informed about the demonstrated goodwill on both sides, Government’s Press Service says Tuesday.

“Finding mutually acceptable solution is possible and for this goal, the negotiation process is underway. It is necessary goodwill and comprises from both sides to reach a solution that will respect the dignity and identity of the citizens of both countries. The public will be fully informed about every next significant step during the negotiations,” reads government’s press release.

Zaev: Prepared for geographic qualifier

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-prepared-for-geographic-qualifier/

We are prepared for a geographic qualifier, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on Tuesday while highlighting the importance of the name issue and the need to give talks a chance.

“I want our citizens and the people of neighboring Greece to know the details, but most of all I would like to see success in the negotiating process. That is why we should use caution, in order to give the process a chance for success. In this context, I can say that we are prepared for a geographic qualifier, but will stop there, because this is a crucial issue and give a chance to the talks to reach a solution,” PM Zaev told a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Samuel Zbogar.

He added that any idea that could lead to a solution, be it a draft of an international agreement that would confirm the aspects that are more or less resolved, such as symbols MK, MKD etc, would be the foundation for the continuation of the process under the aegis of the UN through mediator Matthew Nimetz, but also using bilateral meetings between the countries’ PMs and FMs.

“We should use everything that helps the process of finding a solution. We are publicizing all events, there are discussions among institutions and political parties, at the same time focused on the essential steps that would lead to a final solution of this sensitive problem, in the interest of both countries,” stressed Zaev.

Zaev: Decision reached to rename highway, Skopje airport

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-decision-reached-to-rename-highway-skopje-airport/

The highway leading from Macedonia to the southern border with Greece will be renamed ‘Friendship Highway’ and the Skopje Airport will be called “Skopje International Airport’, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told a news conference Tuesday with the EU Ambassador to Macedonia, Samuel Zbogar.

The decision passed today by the government, Zaev said, once again affirms the steps aimed at building friendship and confidence with Greece.

 

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New meeting of Nimetz with FMs Dimitrov and Kotzias next week

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev at Wednesday’s press conference in the government confirms that a new meeting at the ministerial level within negotiation process mediated by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz will be held next week.

“I hope that meeting between foreign ministers of the two countries as new level in the negotiations, led by UN mediator Mathew Nimetz will be held next week,” Zaev said at the press conference dedicated to the meeting between the Government and the Agency for Youth and Sports with sports workers.

No new Zaev-Tsipras meeting, constitutional changes not discussed: Gov’t spokesman

http://english.republika.mk/no-new-zaev-tsipras-meeting-constitutional-changes-not-discussed-govt-spokesman/

A meeting of the PMs of Macedonia and Greece, Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras, hasn’t been scheduled yet, government spokesman Mile Bosnjakovski told a news conference Wednesday.

Answering a journalist question as to whether Athens as part of the name negotiations was expected to demand amendments to the Articles 3 and 49 of the Constitution of Macedonia, Bosnjakovski said no such thing was being discussed at the moment.

Commenting on Greek media reports that high officials representing Macedonia in Davos had accepted every demand of the Greek officials, the spokesman stated that the meeting of the premiers in Davos was ‘clear and transparent.’

“All that was agreed by the premiers of the countries was transparently announced at a news conference after the meeting, which was also streamed online. What was done in Davos is a serious step toward finding a resolution to the issue of Greece regarding our constitutional name. Additionally, everything that was agreed in Davos was revealed by PM Tsipras at the news conference,” Bosnjakovski said.

In fact, he added, the Davos talks helped unblock the EU integration processes of Macedonia stalled since 2009.

In line with what has been agreed in Davos, the spokesman said, the government has decided to rename the highway and the Skopje airport.

Asked what geographical qualifier was acceptable for Macedonia and the extent of the use of the name solution, Bosnjakovski reiterated that at this stage details of the negotiations wouldn’t be revealed.

“The negotiations are of serious importance for Macedonia. I have nothing more to add apart from what PM Zaev had said, that we are prepared for a geographical qualifier,” the spokesman noted.

Skai TV: Sekerinska: “Macedonia will get a new name”, Ahmeti: “We are a nameless country”

http://english.republika.mk/skai-tv-sekerinska-macedonia-will-get-a-new-name-ahmeti-we-are-a-nameless-country/

There is consensus as to whether we should negotiate, as to whether we should accept some kind of compromise, because both conservative and social democratic administrations have at some point accepted certain compromises, Macedonian Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska told Greece’s Skai TV.

Speaking as a guest of the TV show ‘Istories’, Sekerinska said that the former governments of Macedonia had okayed a compromise, for instance the name “The Republic of Macedonia – Skopje”, thus she said she believed Macedonia had reached a consensus regarding the need to find a solution, MIA’s correspondent reports from Athens.

“The fact we are negotiating some kind of compound name with some kind of adjectives or qualifiers showcases that there are doubts, emotions, but that at the same time there is willingness to move ahead,” Sekerinska stated, Skai TV reported.

According to her, in the past 25 years better opportunities for name settlement have been opened, however, there was always something missing.

“It takes two to tango and we completely get it. Hence, genuine commitment is necessary by the two parties, and also a little bit of audacity for the process to move forward. I truly believe we have a history of missed opportunities and I think we should make use of this experience to be able to say where we want our countries to be in 25 years,” stressed Minister Sekerinska.

In the same TV show, DUI leader Ali Ahmeti said the Macedonian government was ‘reform-oriented’ noting that he believed that as such the 25-year long dispute between Skopje and Athens would be finally solved.

“We are a nameless country, we have a provisional name, FYROM. In practice, we are trying to finally get a normal name under the ongoing negotiations,” said Ahmeti, Skai TV reported.

Asked whether DUI would support constitutional changes if necessary, the party leader said DUI stood ready to support the process to result in a final solution.

“We support progress. To close this chapter would be a major achievement. It will relieve us of a burden, something we have been carrying for years. We are ready. We were ready in the past to support the process for a final solution, because we are very much interested in our country integrating into NATO and the EU,” Ali Ahmeti told Skai’s Istories.

DPMNE clowns conclude: Hey this is not good for Macedonia

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/06/dpmne-clowns-conclude-hey-this-is-not-good-for-macedonia/

DPMNE’s vice president Aleksandar Nikoloski says that with the change of the names of the highway and the airport, Macedonia again lost to the policies of this SDSM government.

“Regarding the renaming of the airport and the highway, I would like to emphasize that when announcing this procedure by Zoran Zaev, we are publicly asking whether these activities are part of a broader strategy for which the public is not informed or is a one-sided step of the current Macedonian Government?

We pointed out that if there is any strategy, citizens expect to be informed about its benefits, and if it there isn’t a strategy and the country simply makes unilateral concessions, without gaining anything in return, then this is bad for Macedonia. VMRO DPMNE sees no irredentism in the names of the airport and the highway!” says Nikolovski in a statement for the press.

 

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MHRMI to file lawsuit against Zaev, Dimitrov, Kotzias, Tsipras…

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/08/mhrmi-to-file-lawsuit-against-zaev-dimitrov-kotzias-tsipras/

– In defence of Macedonia’s name and our Macedonian ethnic origin and identity, Macedonian Human Rights Movement International is initiating lawsuits against Zoran Zaev, Nikola Dimitrov, the government of the Republic of Macedonia, Alexis Tsipras, Nikos Kotzias, the government of the Republic of Greece, and other individuals directly involved with the name negotiations.

MHRMI is demanding an immediate, court-ordered end to the illegal and unconstitutional name negotiations and is suing for damages from all of the named parties on behalf of Macedonians worldwide for the blatant contravention of all United Nations and international human rights conventions.

The illegal imposition of new membership conditions placed on Macedonia by the United Nations violates Article 4 of the UN Charter and violates Articles 2 and 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The negotiation and proposed changing of Macedonia’s name, identity, language, history and ethnic origin, have set back human rights successes by Macedonians decades and fly in the face of all basic human rights standards that the named defendants are obligated to uphold.

The negative emotional impact that Macedonians are suffering having to watch their ethnic identity being negotiated away by the named parties — who are obliged to uphold basic human rights standards — is immeasurable. Watching the frightening, racially-charged protests in Greece, demanding the eradication of Macedonia and our Macedonian ethnicity, has scared many Macedonians into being afraid to publicly declare their Macedonian identity.

Further, the fact that the named parties are actively participating in the removal of an entire ethnic group’s identity is causing severe emotional distress and invokes memories of the severe human rights abuses — based solely on their Macedonian ethnic origin — that these individuals have already endured.

Therefore, MHRMI has no alternative but to use the courts of law to sue for damages and to seek the immediate end of the UN-sponsored anti-Macedonian name negotiations.

 

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Zaev to meet Merkel on Feb. 21 in Germany

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-to-meet-merkel-on-feb-21-in-germany/

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Feb. 21. The meeting will be held within the visit of Macedonian government delegation led by PM Zaev to Germany, government sources told MIA.

The first bilateral meeting between PM Zoran Zaev and German Chancellor Merkel took place on the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Trieste in July last year.

Merkel voiced support for the new Macedonian government for its decisiveness for substantial reforms and for the determination to integrate the Republic of Macedonia into the EU.

Artan Grubi: Name dispute already settled, what is left is to work out the details

http://english.republika.mk/artan-grubi-name-dispute-already-settled-what-is-left-is-to-work-out-the-details/

Member of the Macedonian Parliament, Artan Grubi is part of a Macedonian parliamentary delegation that has been visiting Washington, where he attended the National Prayer Breakfast, organized annually by the US President.

According to him, the name dispute has been already settled. What is left, he said, is to work out the details so as to make the agreement with Greece a dignified and compromised solution for both sides.

“We’ve started talking with Greece in the language of friends instead of through the prism of history and buildings. Confidence-building measures are being established, we have already renamed the airport and the highway. We will protect our identity, culture, the name and the country only if we are part of the large European family,” stated Grubi.

 

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Turkish PM: It’s wrong for Macedonia to change name because of other country

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/12/turkish-pm-its-wrong-for-macedonia-to-change-name-because-of-other-country/

Speaking at a joint press conference with Zoran Zaev, Turkish PM Yildirim said: “It is a mistake for another country to determine the name of Macedonia,” reports AP.

Macedonia and Greece have been in dispute over the name of the state for 25 years, and according to Zoran Zaev that dispute must be resolved by the end of the summer.

Zaev and his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim held a press conference after the meeting in the Changkai Palace in Ankara, Anatolia reports.

Zaev addressed the name dispute with Greece, albeit differently than his counterpart.

“We discussed this with the Prime Minister. The Republic of Turkey supports and advocates a solution that will be convenient for both parties. A solution that is acceptable to NATO and the EU will also be convenient for us, “Zaev said, who said he hoped for support from friends in finding a solution, considering that the name dispute with Greece lasted 25 years.

Greek PM Tsipras: Name settlement should include compound name for overall use

http://english.republika.mk/greek-pm-tsipras-name-settlement-should-include-compound-name-for-overall-use/

A compound name to be used both at home and abroad, which also requires changes to the Constitution, and elimination of any kind of irredentist claims constitutes the framework guaranteeing a closure of the dispute, said Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Speaking at a meeting of SYRIZA’s parliamentary group, Tsipras amongst other things, involving the economy and the Novartis scandal, also referred to the name issue. He said the Greek government had taken the responsibility to close the issue ‘with dignity and patriotic duty’ and reiterated Athens’ position in the name talks, MIA reported.

“A solution cannot be something other than a complex name for overall use. Something that is of course preconditioned by a constitutional change to make the name solution erga omnes. There cannot be a name for use by other countries and a name that would be contained in the Constitution. Also, a precondition is to eliminate any doubt of irredentism. This is the only framework that guarantees a settlement of the issue and the entire Balkans to launch a new era, leaving behind nationalism, fanaticism and intolerance,” said Tsipras.

Addressing the MPs of the party SYRIZA, he said the government, the country, now wasn’t called on to give something that had been already given by former administrations, instead it was focused on gaining back certain things.

“What can Greece get back in return? To persuade the neighbors to stop using the term Macedonia without designation that will make clear that has nothing to do in historical or geographical terms with the Greek Macedonia. They must be persuaded to give back names and symbols that do not belong to them. Significant steps were made after Davos, with renaming the airport known as Alexander the Great Airport and the highway connecting Thessaloniki and Skopje. And to persuade them to put an end to their irredentist claims,” Tsipras said, MIA’s correspondent reported from Athens.

Negotiations won’t be easy, according to him, but there is no other way but to continue to negotiate with the neighboring country in a bid to find a mutually acceptable name.

Major protest in defense of Macedonia’s name on February 27

http://english.republika.mk/major-protest-in-defense-of-macedonias-name-on-february-27/

Macedonian communities around the world on the occasion of the anniversary of the “For United Macedonia” movement, on February 27, 2018, organize a protest for the defense of the name of the state and the identity of the nation in Skopje!

The protest will start at 18:00h in front of the European Union delegation premises, and then will move along the “St. Clement of Ohrid” boulevard and “Dimitrie Chupovski” boulevard to the Parliament’s building.

Macedonians around the world demand:

(1) Unconditional end of the name talks with the Government in Athens and continuation of membership in the United Nations and in all international organizations under the state name of Macedonia;

(2) Withdrawal of the Law on the Use of Languages;

(3) Withdrawal of the Zaev-Borisov agreement;

(4) Urgent release of the people detained in relation to the events of 27 April 2017 in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia.

The demands will be submitted to the President, the Parliament, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, and to all foreign embassies in Macedonia.

If the Government does not accept the demands, Macedonians around the world are demanding self-dissolution of Parliament and holding extraordinary parliamentary elections by providing conditions for exercising the right to vote in the seventh constituency, without the obligation to enroll the right to vote in every parliamentary and presidential election.

Macedonians around the world reject a referendum, ratification of an international treaty and change of the Constitution in order to change the name of the state and the identity of the nation!

 

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New round of name negotiations, FMs Dimitrov and Kotzias to meet UN mediator Nimtz in Vienna

http://english.republika.mk/new-round-of-name-negotiations-fms-dimitrov-and-kotzias-to-meet-un-mediator-nimtz-in-vienna/

Vienna will host Tuesday a new meeting at a level of foreign ministers within the negotiating process for settling Macedonia-Greece name dispute under the mediation of UN envoy Matthew Nimetz.

The Macedonian and Greek Foreign Ministers, Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias respectively, are to held talks Monday evening in Vienna. Tomorrow they are set to meet Nimetz, the Ministries of both countries said in a press release on Monday.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev announced the new round of talks last week. He pointed out that Macedonia was doing its best to prove that it didn’t harbor any irredentist aspirations.

‘We are prepared for a geographic qualifier’, Zaev said, notifying that he sees no need for constitutional amendments.

A compound name to be used both at home and abroad, which also requires changes to the Constitution, and elimination of any kind of irredentist claims constitutes the framework guaranteeing a closure of the dispute, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said today at a meeting of SYRIZA’s parliamentary group.

Vienna name talks ongoing

http://english.republika.mk/vienna-name-talks-ongoing/

Name talks between Macedonian and Greek Foreign Ministers, Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias respectively, under the aegis of United Nations envoy Matthew Nimetz are ongoing for more than three hours in Vienna, MIA reports.

There is no news whether the FMs and the envoy will give statements after the meeting.

The FMs met late on Monday, harmonizing positions prior to today’s joint session with Nimetz.

Prime Ministers Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras agreed recently in Davos that talks would be intensified, at the level of foreign ministers.

UN envoy Nimetz presented a set of ideas at the last meeting in New York on January 17, followed by his visit to Athens and Skopje.

Nano Ruzin: The new name is probably already determined, now Greece is looking for a guarantor

http://english.republika.mk/nano-ruzin-the-new-name-is-probably-already-determined-now-greece-is-looking-for-a-guarantor/

Professor Nano Ruzin says that according to the statements of Greek Prime Minister Tsipras, seeking change of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, we can conclude that the solution is close.

“According to the statements, we came to a final stage, probably the name has already been determined and now Greece is looking for a guarantor. That guarantor, in their opinion, is the Constitution of Macedonia, but in order to do so, it is necessary to have a two-thirds majority, which at this moment will hardly be secured by our Government, which would lead to new elections,” says Ruzin.

He adds that the Constitution is not a guarantor at all because it does not guarantee that tomorrow there will be no other political party in power that will propose to return the old name.

Maybe they require constitutional changes because they fear that an international agreement will be torn down by the Constitutional Court, they have the experience where an agreement with Albania was torn down by the Albanian Constitutional Court, but our Constitutional Court does not have such competence, says Nano Ruzin.

White House circus: DUI’s Artan Grubi poses with Pence’s Chair

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/13/white-house-circus-duis-artan-grubi-poses-with-pences-chair/

The President of the Committee on European Affairs and MP in the Macedonian Assembly Artan Grubi visited the United States and published a photograph of the office of US Vice President Mike Pence on social media.

In the photo you can see Grubi photographed behind the pens of Mike Pence. Apparently the White House is not big on security and let Grubi wonder around.

 

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FMs Dimitrov and Kotzias agree for name dispute settlement process to resume under UN auspices

http://english.republika.mk/fms-dimitrov-and-kotzias-agree-for-name-dispute-settlement-process-to-resume-under-un-auspices/

UN mediator in Skopje-Athens name negotiations Mathew Nimetz met Tuesday in Vienna with the Macedonian and Greek Foreign Ministers, Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias respectively.

“Following a constructive meeting as part of the efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the ‘name’ issue, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs agreed to continue their efforts under the auspices of the United Nations,” the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries said in a press release.

 

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Kotzias prefers name in Slavic, untranslated, including geographic qualifier

http://english.republika.mk/kotzias-prefers-name-in-slavic-untranslated-including-geographic-qualifier/

The neighboring country has perceived term ‘Macedonia’ as a national not geographic trait, and now we must find a geographic or territorial qualifier. My wish is for the name to be untranslated, in Slavic language, such as New Macedonia, Vardar Macedonia, Upper Macedonia, says Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

In an interview with Greek TV station Alpha, recorded a few hours after the marathon talks in Vienna earlier in the week, Kotzias revealed details over the Greek positions, the draft-agreement, Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic perspective, mediator Nimetz, but also the stage of the negotiations, MIA reports from Athens.

Kotzias says there were almost 12 hours of continual talks in Vienna, but still no agreement on any of the issues, at least according to his perception. Regarding the statement of the Macedonian PM that three of the seven points in the focus of the talks have been closed, he says it is important how things are interpreted, because “maybe Mr. Zaev thinks that we have agreed on the general principles for a solution of certain problems, and I maybe think of the more practical solution.”

“I think that PM Zaev voices optimism which is good for the talks. We had discussions point by point and when you do this there is basically nothing you agree on. There is an opinion for each point by both sides. What you can do is put these different opinions into a single package. In academic terms, this is package solution, meaning that I will give you something that is not so important for me but more important for you, and you will give me something that is important for me but less important for you. Otherwise, there will be no agreement in place,” explained Kotzias.

Hahn confident Macedonia name row will be settled by July

http://english.republika.mk/hahn-confident-macedonia-name-row-will-be-settled-by-july/

The European Union is confident that Macedonia will solve the name dispute with Greece by the end of June, said Johannes Hahn, Commissioner of European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, upon arriving at the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich) in Sofia on Friday.

Asked by reporters if the name dispute could be solved by the end of Bulgaria’s EU Presidency, Commissioner said he is “very confident about this”.

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva also expressed hope that a decision over the opening of Macedonia’s accession talks would be taken at the European Council meeting in June.

“Taking into consideration current developments and ongoing talks, I believe there is a big chance for this to happen,” said Zaharieva at the press conference after the meeting.

She added both governments have demonstrated political will to find a permanent solution.

Radev tells Zaev “Upper” and “North” Macedonia not acceptable for Bulgaria

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/16/radev-tells-zaev-upper-and-north-macedonia-not-acceptable-for-bulgaria/

Bulgaria does not accept the names Upper or Northern Macedonia that are geographically qualified, which, according to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, will be at the expense of Bulgaria.

Bulgarian President Radev said at today’s press conference that Bulgaria does not want to interfere in resolving the dispute, but it should be noted that Bulgaria is concerned and influenced by the issue.

Zoran Zaev, from the press conference with EU Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, said ten days ago that he was ready for a geographical determinant.

For now, Radev explicitly says that Bulgaria disagrees with a geographical determinant such as Upper or North. This puts Zoran Zaev in a bind, remaining with proposals such as New Macedonia or the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje).

On the other hand, information about the course of the negotiations are published daily on what the Greek red lines are, that is, Greece insists on constitutional changes in Macedonia. This contradicts the statements of SDSM and Zoran Zaev that there are no negotiations on changes in the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia.

This is confirmed in today’s announcement by the Greek Academy of Sciences and Arts, which stressed that constitutional changes are necessary as a prerequisite for reaching an agreement.

EU ministers disagree over expansion into Balkans

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/16/eu-ministers-disagree-over-expansion-into-balkans/

European Union foreign ministers disagreed on Thursday over a proposal by the bloc’s executive to push for expansion into the western Balkans.

At a meeting in Bulgaria, the EU ministers discussed for the first time the plan by the European Commission that set out 2025 as a goal for Serbia and Montenegro to join the bloc. Macedonia was nowhere mentioned for the 2025 target date, and currently has the same status as Kosovo. Yet, the current Macedonian Government intends to change the name and its constitution just in order to hope that some day it may enter the EU.

Hungary’s Peter Szijjarto was “very much disappointed” by that target. The minister said the first two countries from the Western Balkan six should be admitted already in 2022, Reuters reports.

Germany, the EU’s leading power, is reluctant, pointing to rule-of-law shortcomings in the newer member states – from Romania and Bulgaria, to Poland and Hungary. Poland, Italy and Austria are among other EU countries in favor of stepping up efforts to open the bloc to the region, where the EU sees “growing Russian and Chinese influence.”

An interesting show with Milenko

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[sToRmR1dR]

Greece: A European challenge

https://www.gisreportsonline.com/greece-a-european-challenge,2475,c.html

Johannes Hahn, the European Union’s commissioner for enlargement, was in Sofia, Bulgaria last week to talk with foreign ministers of candidate countries to join the 28-nation bloc.

Worried by Russian activities in the Western Balkans, the EU has decided on an opening toward countries of this region. To start, accession negotiations might be opened with Serbia and Montenegro.

Nasty obstacle

But first, Mr. Hahn needs to dispose of a nasty, needless obstacle created by Greek chauvinism toward Macedonia. Greece’s objections to the Republic of Macedonia’s name have already blocked the country’s NATO membership and EU aspirations for a long time.

Opposition by the Greek authorities is based on historical tradition and the existence of an adjoining region in Greece called Macedonia. This grotesque situation is responsible for the EU’s use – at Greek insistence – of a peculiar official jargon: “the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia.”

The dispute has poisoned the EU’s relationships in the Western Balkans, an area where Western and Russian interests collide. This has played to some extent into Russian hands.

With the EU at last determined to take a closer interest in the Western Balkans, negotiations between Greece and Macedonia over the issue have intensified. Alternative names have been suggested by United Nations mediators, including New Macedonia, Northern Macedonia, Upper Macedonia and Vardar Macedonia.

Other ridiculous demands were made by Athens, and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev even agreed to a few – like dropping “Alexander the Great” from the names of Skopje’s international airport and the E-75 motorway.

Macedonia is not the only victim of this kind of niggling harassment. The Greek government has also been feuding with Albania over oil and gas deposits in the Ionian Sea and restitution for the Cham community, an Albanian ethnic minority that was forcibly expelled from Greece after World War II.

Even when one turns to the deep historical enmity between Turkey and Greece, it should not be assumed that the fault lies solely on the Turkish side. While the Greek authorities pretend to have nothing but peaceful intentions, it is hard to ignore their poor relations with nearly every neighbor. This is not a coincidence. It results from exaggerated Greek nationalism, which is becoming a liability for the rest of Europe.

Violating rules

And that is not the worst of it. A much bigger problem for Europe is the state of Greece’s public finances, caused by the corruption and poor governance that have plagued the country since a military coup toppled its constitutional monarchy in 1967.

As we know now, Greece joined the eurozone in 2004 under false pretenses, violating all fiscal rules and principles. From the beginning, the country’s public accounts were manipulated – and this was known and strangely tolerated by the other member states, the European Central Bank and the European Commission. Being privy to this knowledge, they became accomplices in the crime.

When the Greek sovereign debt crisis broke out in 2010, Europe poured hundreds of billions of euros into the country, treating its illusory “austerity” program as fact. Soon enough, the adjustment measures proved to be a mirage and none of the fiscal targets were reached. The whole sham was sold to the public as necessary condition for preventing a collapse of the euro area.

Today, the Greek bailout continues under scarcely changed conditions. Because people have become accustomed to it as a mundane, everyday reality, it has disappeared from the headlines. Europe once again is turning a blind eye to what is going on in Greece.

The strangest part of the story is why Europe was willing to use extraordinary (and extraordinarily costly) financial measures but refused to apply the only effective medicine – letting Greece abandon the euro. That would have saved the Greek people a lot of misery in the medium and long run.

Double standard

The EU seems to be having trouble with certain members. Brexit is a prime example. So is the present carping, admonishments and pressure that is being applied in the name of European values. The main targets are now Hungary and Poland, but criticism has also been directed toward Austria and the Czech Republic.

Very little such criticism – but a lot of financial support – has been directed at Greece. The country’s diplomatic troublemaking, poor governance and lack of economic discipline are shocking – as is Europe’s complicity in this state of affairs. How can one credibly urge the Western Balkan states to improve governance and respect their neighbors’ borders while giving Greece a free pass?

This sort of hypocrisy only harms Europe’s credibility. While we are all for as much self-determination for EU member states as possible, we can only wonder why Europe has been so lenient toward successive governments in Greece.

Sixty prominent Greeks ask Macedonia to be allowed to use its name

http://english.republika.mk/sixty-prominent-greeks-ask-macedonia-to-be-allowed-to-use-its-name/

Despite Athens’ opposing, sixty prominent Greek leftists in a petition published in the print media announced Thursday that neighboring Macedonia should be recognized under its constitutional name.

“Dozens of countries have recognized the Republic of Macedonia under that name and it is involved in the language and awareness around the world, with the exception of Greek nationalists,” said the signatories of the petition, which was published on Thursday by the Eleftherotypia newspaper.

Official Athens blocked the international recognition of the neighboring country under the name of Macedonia, saying it was part of the Greek heritage. That’s why, in 1993, Macedonia was admitted to the United Nations under the provisional name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

PM Tsipras, Chancellor Merkel discuss name issue in phone call

http://english.republika.mk/pm-tsipras-chancellor-merkel-discuss-name-issue-in-phone-call/

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a phone conversation with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss several issues, including the name dispute, Tsipras’ office said Tuesday.

“The two leaders discussed developments relating to the negotiations on the FYROM name issue, provocative Turkish activity in the Aegean, and Turkey’s relations with the European Union,” read a short press release of the PM’s office, MIA reports from Athens.

Citing its own sources, Greek Skai TV reported that Tsipras to Merkel pinpointed the need for a final solution to the dispute that would involve changing the constitutional name of the neighboring country. According to the same sources, the Greek PM and the German Chancellor have agreed to meet on Friday in Brussels at an informal summit of EU leaders.

The Tsipras-Merkel phone conversation comes on the eve of the visit of Macedonian Premier Zoran Zaev to Berlin, where he is also scheduled to meet with Chancellor Merkel.

Bakoyannis: We want a package deal the whole international community will accept

http://english.republika.mk/bakoyannis-we-want-a-package-deal-the-whole-international-community-will-accept/

The whole international community, including the countries that have been using the name ‘Macedonia’ bilaterally, should accept the solution, said former Foreign Minister of Greece Dora Bakoyannis in a TV interview, MIA’s Athens correspondent reports.

“We want a solution the whole international community will accept. That’s the goal because currently they are being called ‘Macedonia’ by the international community. We want a solution that will change the decision on their bilateral recognition, and start using a name that will not be irredentist or impinge on our history, our identity, or our culture,” Bakoyannis told Greek Sky TV.

She echoed New Democracy’s conviction that the name dispute should not be resolved in stages, but that the agreement should be a package deal.

“If there’s any fear at all,” Bakoyannis said, “it is about resolving the dispute in stages. For example, if we decided on a name but neglected to simultaneously address irredentism, implementation, the Constitution, etc. That would be a fatal error.”

Bakoyannis, a New Democracy MP, criticized the Greek government that it has not kept the opposition party up to date about the progress of the negotiations, which is why she declined to comment Zoran Zaev’s latest statement that identity is not a topic addressed in the negotiations or any articles in the Greek press mentioning Upper Macedonia as a possible solution.

“It is humiliating,” Bakoyannis said, “for me and my party to find out details about the Skopje dispute negotiations from Zaev.”

Erdogan bigger Macedonian than the Macedonians: We’d rather die than change our decision on Macedonia

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/20/erdogan-bigger-macedonian-than-the-macedonians-wed-rather-die-than-change-our-decision-on-macedonia/

The unblocking of the integration processes is crucial for long-term stability, security and progress of the entire region. In the next period, we expect constructive support, assistance and open lobbying for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the Alliance by our friends – NATO member states. The invitation for membership will be an additional impetus for the national reform processes and will be a positive example in the region, President Gjorge Ivanov said after today’s meeting in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

-In the 21st century, it is unacceptable that the sovereign right to self-determination of a State guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations be contested by any other state. The difference in name should be resolved within the framework of the UN and within the framework defined by the United Nations Charter, the UN Security Council Resolutions, the Interim Accord and the International Court of Justice judgment of 2011. Asking questions and meddling into hot issues such as identity, language and the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia does not contribute, but on the contrary it makes it difficult to find a solution. I am pleased that President Erdogan expressed his full understanding of our views regarding this topic on this visit and on this occasion, said Ivanov, who is on an official visit to Turkey.

Ivanov also thanked for the long-standing principled and unreserved support and especially for the way Turkey supports Macedonia on its path to full-fledged NATO membership.

-We are the first to recognize the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia. What we thought then, we think now. We do not move left or right. Turkey in diplomacy never acts ambiguously. After we have made our decision, we’d rather die, but we are not going back – stated Erdogan, noting that despite the recognition of the constitutional name of Macedonia and the name of the nation, Turkey was the first country to send its ambassador to Macedonia.

Cejku: Macedonia will be the third state of Albanians

http://english.republika.mk/zejku-macedonia-will-be-third-state-of-albanians/

Former Albanian ambassador to Kosovo and Macedonia Arben Cejku gave a bold statement that after 10 years there will be three Albanian countries in the region, Albanian media reports.

Cejku says that in 2028 he predicts that apart from Albania and Kosovo, there will be another Albanian state, that of the Albanians in Macedonia.

Now the statehood of the Albanians in Macedonia is a reality and the events there have made me understand and foresee that after 10 years we will have a third Albanian state, said Cejku.

According to him, although they marked the tenth anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, the Albanian issue has not yet been fully resolved, as Albanians in Macedonia don’t have full rights yet.

US says doesn’t support exchange of territories

http://english.republika.mk/us-says-doesnt-support-exchange-of-territories/

The United States doesn’t support exchange of territories, says the US embassy to Kosovo.

Its statement reads that the US doesn’t back swapping of territories or the establishment of a precedent that could cause more problems than solutions. “All parties need to be creative in finding solution.”

As part of the Brussels dialogue, it adds, Kosovo and Serbia should normalize relations and the United States is ready to listen, help and be creative in providing support to striking a comprehensive agreement, ‘the only way to secure the pro-Western future for Kosovo and Serbia.’

On Sunday, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said his country and Kosovo could one day have a single president as a “symbol of national unity” between Tirana and Pristina. He noted that the two neighbours, both predominantly ethnic Albanian, already share diplomatic missions around the world, adding: “Why not a single president, as a symbol of national unity?,” AFP reported.

Macedonia’s illegal Language Law on Standby

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/19/macedonias-illegal-language-law-on-standby/

The law on languages ​​is on a stand by. 35,000 amendments have been translated for some time but nobody mentions whether and when they would be on the agenda for a parliamentary session. Today’s regular coordination of Xhaferi with parliamentary groups does not bring much hope that the thousands of amendments will be considered any time soon.

A session is scheduled for tomorrow, but only the laws on shortened procedure will be on the agenda. Xhaferi barely provides the necessary quorum for work, throughout this period, some MPs leave on business trips, vacations etc. For now, it is only clear that a session on parliamentary issues should be held on the 22nd, and the opposition will not be present again.

A representative from DPNE did not even coordinate with Xhaferi today. Whether the speaker will wait for the political solution for the law on languages ​​that the DPNE has requested for the submitted amendments remains unclear. After the last session of the opposition DPMNE, they clearly stated that they did not think in any way to withdraw the amendments that disputed the constitutionality of the Law, despite calls from Xhaferi to change their minds.

It is uncertain what will happen to this parliamentary composition after the reorganization of the government coalition and how the forces will be regrouped, in addition to BESA. There is a split in the party confirmed at yesterday’s Congress where the Skopje wing in Tetovo, elected Afrim Gashi as the new president.

After the turmoil in BESA, the current leader Bilal Kasami denied that there was any split, but only disagreement with the attitudes with individuals, but also that all five MPs remain to act together.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

The 'art' of Merkel's stupidity! :)


Name dispute should be settled, pressure on the process not beneficial, says Angela Merkel

http://english.republika.mk/name-dispute-should-be-settled-pressure-on-the-process-not-beneficial-says-angela-merkel/

The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece needs to be settled, but there is nothing positive if pressure is being exerted, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a joint news conference in Berlin with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

“The name dispute between Macedonia and Greece should be settled, any pressure in the negotiations has no benefit. I’m under the impression that the two sides after a long time share the interest to settle the dispute. It is a good precondition,” Merkel said answering journalist question on whether the name issue was tackled in her meeting with Zaev and whether the same issue had been discussed in her phone call with Greek Premier Alexis Tsipras.

The two sides, she noted, are acting responsibly in the renewed negotiations and both Greece and Macedonia are well aware of what they can give in order a compromise to be reached.

Compromises always hurt, but they are necessary, said Merkel.

“It’s the art of diplomacy, and it should not be discussed at news conferences, it needs to be solved behind closed doors. I believe that public statements are more prone to harming the process than to be of any use,” the German Chancellor stated.

WikiLeaks: Merkel pressed – Gruevski did not accept Republic of Skopje (Macedonia) in exchange for NATO membership

http://english.republika.mk/wikileaks-merkel-pressed-gruevski-did-not-accept-republic-of-skopje-macedonia-in-exchange-for-nato-membership/

The Macedonian Government in 2008 rejected the pressure by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Romanian government to accept the Greek name formulation – Republic of Skopje (Macedonia) in exchange for joining NATO at the Bucharest summit, WikiLeaks documents reveal.

The US administration’s 2008 document describes a meeting between the then Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and former US ambassador to Skopje Gillian Milovanovic, shortly after Greece’s veto of Macedonia’s NATO membership bid at the Bucharest summit. In the document classified as confidential, Milovanovic points out that in an April 4 meeting, Prime Minister Gruevski thanked the US Government for its strong support for Macedonia’s NATO membership bid at the Bucharest Summit, despite Greece’s unyielding insistence on vetoing membership for Macedonia absent an agreement on the name.

“He said that apart from a failed attempt by German Chancellor Merkel and a similar Romanian gambit to persuade the GOM to accept the Greek name formulation — Republic of Skopje (Macedonia) — it had been gratifying to see most of the NATO allies concentrating efforts on persuading Greece not to veto,” reads the document.

Milovanovic, according to the document signed exactly by her, urged Gruevski to re-engage in the Nimetz process to resolve the name issue as soon as possible. Gruevski said he was willing to re-engage with Nimetz soon, but doubted Greece would be any more flexible on the matter in the near-term. He added that the Slovenians had told him that Greek FM Bakoyannis had suggested that Greece had to veto due to public pressure, but that Athens could be more flexible on the name issue in the months following the Bucharest Summit. Gruevski hoped this would be the case, but was concerned that the Greeks might be even more rigid in their demands for a name change and scope of use in the wake of their self-described “victory” at Bucharest.