The European Commission recommendation for opening of Macedonia's accession negotiations without further delay is a signal to Macedonia and Greece for sooner settlement of the name row, said Defense Minister, Fatmir Besimi after meetings in Washington.

"The name dispute is a topic that cannot be avoided at such meetings, and when we are referring to Euro-Atlantic integration, the question over the name row progress always comes to surface. The latest EC report maintains the recommendation to the European Council for determination of an accession negotiations date without further delay. This represents another signal to both sides for sooner settlement of the issue in the interest of Macedonia, Greece and the region. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs memorandum of understanding is a positive step and we expect subsequent meetings and solution to this open issue", stressed Besimi.

Minister Besimi met in Washington with White House, State Department and Pentagon officials, and delivered a lecture at Johns Hopkins University.

During the visit, Defense Minister, Besimi also took part at a forum of young leaders at the Yale University, delivered an address at the Harvard University, and met with Diaspora and U.S. Atlantic Council representatives.