We are focused on getting an accession talks date in parallel with settlement of the name problem, i.e. opening of the EU screening process for the Republic of Macedonia as of January, said Vice Premier for European Affairs Teuta Arifi on Friday.

"We believe it is very important to launch this process, because it would represent an enormous support and incentive for domestic reforms required by the EU. Opening of the screening process would be helpful", stressed Arifi at the sidelines of regional conference "Membership in EU - Constitutional Challenges for SEE Applicant Countries".

If entering such a process, she said, Macedonia should be committed with a timeline for settlement of the name issue.

"I cannot say the exact period, but I believe we should be limited with a deadline", said Vice Premier Arifi, adding a one-year period would be possible, since the screening process usually lasts that long.

Pertaining to the way in which Greece would give consent for the accession talks date in light of the EU Council meeting, she emphasized this would be done through calls for good will and partnership with the EU.

"There are always arguments. I believe that unblocking of Euro-Atlantic integration processes and the membership of a neighboring country in EU and NATO is my biggest argument", added Arifi.