Post by Arxileas on Apr 4, 2008 4:13:21 GMT -5
Within the UN framework, many have worked hard to resolve the FYROM name issue. The Alliance notes with regret that these talks have not had and successful result. For this reason we agreed to extend an invitation to FYROM to join NATO only when the name issue is resolved. We urge the resumption of negotiations without any delays, expecting a result the soonest possible." This conclusion sums up the results of the Greek efforts to resolve the FYROM name issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis appeared satisfied as the final communiquéι does not set a deadline, while the UN will be responsible in resolving the issue and not NATO.
"Greece has achieved its diplomatic objectives. We are in the mid of a course before reaching an agreement. We shall continue to work towards this direction," pointed Ms Bakoyannis, addressing a friendship message to Skopje. She said Greece wishes FYROM to join NATO provided a mutually accepted solution is reached on the name issue and good neighbourly relations.
At the same time, disappointment and skepticism has prevailed in Skopje after FYROM was refused an invitation to join NATO.
Greek Side Satisfied
In reply to questions by FYROM journalists Ms Bakoyannis explained that Greece does not wish to impose a name, but reach an agreement for a mutually accepted name.
Referring to the Greek rejection of the US proposal to allow FYROM join NATO under its temporary name, Ms Bakoyannis said that the above solution would not resolve the issue, adding that Greece wishes to help FYROM’s accession, something which it has proved in the past.
In reply to a question as to whether Greece will adopt the same stance with the EU in September, Ms Bakoyannis said that the Greek government will be equally determined as at the NATO Summit Meeting.
Finally, she reported that Greece has achieved its diplomatic targets, adding that from now on it will continue its efforts to resolve the FYROM issue. She appeared optimistic over the final result, which would support stability, peace and development in the region.
FYROM Disappointed
At a Press Conference in Bucharest today, FYROM Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki stated that although Skopje met all necessary criteria for its accession to NATO, Greece blocked its entry. He added that all countries had supported "Macedonia’s" entry except for Greece.
Regarding the future of negotiations between Greece and FYROM on the name issue, Mr Milososki stated "unfortunately the Interim Agreement has been violated; for this reason the government will have to re-examine the issue."
Following developments, FYROM’s delegation decided to leave Bucharest before the official closing of the Summit Meeting. Mr Milososki explained that the delegation would leave because it felt that it had to be with the Skopje people, whose large majority 90% supports admission to NATO. He spoke of lack of vision over stability in the region, adding that due to Greece’s objections the NATO Summit Meeting had chosen less stability in the region. In parallel, he explained that in the case of future destabilization, the Greek side will be held responsible.
Furthermore, he praised the US stance, which supported his country’s entry to NATO, describing "it the most important thing in the strategic relations between Macedonia and the US."
A meeting of about an hour between American President, George Bush with FYROM’s President and Prime-minister followed. After the meeting FYROM’s delegation announced that it had decided to stay till the official end of the Summit meeting. Earlier, he had expressed his sorrow as no agreement had been reached for FYROM to join NATO, pointing out that the name issue should be resolved quickly.
Greek Positions Supported
French President Nicola Sarkozy is justified to set its demands to NATO, adding that France is in support of the Greek positions, and wishing a fast resolution over the FYROM name issue.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero spoke of "well-documented Greek positions", adopting a similar stance with that of Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates, who had expressed his support to Greece on Wednesday.
Amongst others, the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Iceland, Hungary and Canada showed understanding to the Greek positions, stressing that the name issue should be resolved the fastest possible. Baltic country representatives, on the other side appeared reserved.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul stated that he understands the Greek positions, adding however that FYROM could have been invited, as an invitation does not mean automatically accession.
Translated by John Crystallidis
news.ert.gr/en/c/4/31937.asp
"Greece has achieved its diplomatic objectives. We are in the mid of a course before reaching an agreement. We shall continue to work towards this direction," pointed Ms Bakoyannis, addressing a friendship message to Skopje. She said Greece wishes FYROM to join NATO provided a mutually accepted solution is reached on the name issue and good neighbourly relations.
At the same time, disappointment and skepticism has prevailed in Skopje after FYROM was refused an invitation to join NATO.
Greek Side Satisfied
In reply to questions by FYROM journalists Ms Bakoyannis explained that Greece does not wish to impose a name, but reach an agreement for a mutually accepted name.
Referring to the Greek rejection of the US proposal to allow FYROM join NATO under its temporary name, Ms Bakoyannis said that the above solution would not resolve the issue, adding that Greece wishes to help FYROM’s accession, something which it has proved in the past.
In reply to a question as to whether Greece will adopt the same stance with the EU in September, Ms Bakoyannis said that the Greek government will be equally determined as at the NATO Summit Meeting.
Finally, she reported that Greece has achieved its diplomatic targets, adding that from now on it will continue its efforts to resolve the FYROM issue. She appeared optimistic over the final result, which would support stability, peace and development in the region.
FYROM Disappointed
At a Press Conference in Bucharest today, FYROM Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki stated that although Skopje met all necessary criteria for its accession to NATO, Greece blocked its entry. He added that all countries had supported "Macedonia’s" entry except for Greece.
Regarding the future of negotiations between Greece and FYROM on the name issue, Mr Milososki stated "unfortunately the Interim Agreement has been violated; for this reason the government will have to re-examine the issue."
Following developments, FYROM’s delegation decided to leave Bucharest before the official closing of the Summit Meeting. Mr Milososki explained that the delegation would leave because it felt that it had to be with the Skopje people, whose large majority 90% supports admission to NATO. He spoke of lack of vision over stability in the region, adding that due to Greece’s objections the NATO Summit Meeting had chosen less stability in the region. In parallel, he explained that in the case of future destabilization, the Greek side will be held responsible.
Furthermore, he praised the US stance, which supported his country’s entry to NATO, describing "it the most important thing in the strategic relations between Macedonia and the US."
A meeting of about an hour between American President, George Bush with FYROM’s President and Prime-minister followed. After the meeting FYROM’s delegation announced that it had decided to stay till the official end of the Summit meeting. Earlier, he had expressed his sorrow as no agreement had been reached for FYROM to join NATO, pointing out that the name issue should be resolved quickly.
Greek Positions Supported
French President Nicola Sarkozy is justified to set its demands to NATO, adding that France is in support of the Greek positions, and wishing a fast resolution over the FYROM name issue.
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero spoke of "well-documented Greek positions", adopting a similar stance with that of Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates, who had expressed his support to Greece on Wednesday.
Amongst others, the Prime Ministers of Belgium, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Iceland, Hungary and Canada showed understanding to the Greek positions, stressing that the name issue should be resolved the fastest possible. Baltic country representatives, on the other side appeared reserved.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul stated that he understands the Greek positions, adding however that FYROM could have been invited, as an invitation does not mean automatically accession.
Translated by John Crystallidis
news.ert.gr/en/c/4/31937.asp