Macedonia in the name dispute is advocating intensive talks based on arguments, because the arguments are on our side i.e. on the side of setting no hurdles in the country's EU integration process and in seeking solution based on the international law. With respect to blaming the other and playing games regarding agendas and decisions on either NATO or EU, Greece is the one holding all the cards. We remain committed to the strategic goals - EU and NATO membership.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki at Tuesday's joint press conference after the U.S.-Adriatic Charter ministerial meeting in Skopje. Poposki was asked whether Macedonia would change its strategy towards Greece concerning EU and NATO membership given the fact that the country was facing constant veto from Greece and the possibility of a new one in June.
"EU and NATO membership for Macedonia are strategic goals. We will continue making all the efforts to meet these strategic goals. In connection to the imposed Greek-Macedonian dispute, it is clear that the level of motivation is entirely asymmetric and that the instruments for blocking are in the hands of only one side. This is the reality which cannot be changed by Macedonia as long as it is not a member of NATO and the EU. For us it is vital to promote a position that we see Greece as a partner in economic, political and security sense. Our approach is positive and constructive and we won't allow to be thrown into any blame games i.e. postponement of decisions and not solving the issues," Poposki said.
Asked whether the latest proposal by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz was acceptable for Macedonia and Greece, the FM highlighted the constructive approach constantly manifested by Macedonia.
"I don't want to prejudice the result of this process, but I would like to say loudly and clearly that the Republic of Macedonia has an exceptionally constructive approach, including towards Nimetz's initiative as well. Macedonia is proactive and wants the process to be accelerated. At this moment, there is no such gesture from Greece," minister Poposki stated.
Answering a journalist question, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Reeker, said he had sent to Greece as well the same message urging efforts for resolving the name issue to be strengthened by focusing on the latest proposal by Nimetz.
"It is crucial to have a dialogue, not only between governments, but also in the public. There has been such a development in Kosovo and Serbia where within a year the two countries seized the chance offered by the EU to normalize their relations, and thus a big breakthrough was made. The message from yesterday is that the United States are supporting the UN-brokered process and mediator Matthew Nimez and the country hopes that the two parties will focus on intensifying their efforts in making a progress in the dispute," Reeker concluded.
