Greek press on the Macedonian issue (news in English)

[akritas]

Talks in New York on Sept. 11 on FYROM name issue

NEW YORK (ANA-MPA/P. Panagiotou) -- A new round of talks will take place in New York on September 11 on the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

According to an announcement by the UN's General Secretariat, "the special envoy of the UN's Secretary General, Matthew Nimetz, plans to meet with Ambassador Mr. (Adamantios) Vassilakis of Greece and with Ambassador Mr. (Nikola) Dimitrov of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), in New York on September 11. The purpose will be the continuation of the talks regarding the name issue."

The UN announcement does not clarify whether Nimetz will have separate meetings with the two representatives or whether there will be a joint meeting.


http://www.phantis.com/news/?newsID=20080904134606

[Foti66]

Athens waves second veto

Diplomats in Athens yesterday told Kathimerini Greece would veto Skopje’s bid to start accession talks with the European Union if the neighboring country persists with its intransigent stance in the Macedonia name dispute.

The comments followed fresh statements by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Premier Nikola Gruevski, conceding that his country is unlikely to get the go-ahead from Brussels unless the name row is settled, while blaming Athens for the impasse. “I have said many times that the dispute with Greece over the name and the barriers being erected by Greece are the key to Macedonia’s accession to the EU,” Gruevski said. FYROM’s premier admitted that there had been little progress in the name talks, adding that Skopje would be unlikely to be given a launch date for accession talks this year if this situation does not change by November.

Gruevski is due to meet the UN mediator in the name dispute, Matthew Nimetz, on Thursday.



© 2008 H KAΘHMEPINH All rights reserved.

[Foti66]

FM spokesman on FYROM

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos spoke during Wednesday's regular press briefing of a "heavy climate which is aggravating" the negotiating process concerning the name of the neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Replying to questions on FYROM's European prospects and the course of negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue, the spokesman said that "lately, the government of the neighbouring country is systematically aggravating the negotiating process in a way that some optimism cannot be justified."

However, he added that "the process is alive, no one must prejudge developments absolutely" and that "it is a foregone conclusion that at this moment the climate that has been shaped by a persistent stance that is characterised by insistence on intransigent positions, counterproductive statements, etc, is not a climate that can allow and that can justify optimism as to what will happen."

Asked to comment on Thursday's meeting between UN envoy Matthew Nimetz and representatives of the two sides and whether the tabling of a new proposal is expected, Koumoutsakois said that "it is an objective ascertainment that this moment the atmosphere is presenting specific characteristics of a counterproductive stance" on the part of FYROM.

"It is not our responsibility. The government of Skopje (FYROM) has had a policy throughout this period that is all the more nationalistic, all the more counterproductive. Its tactic and strategy has turned persistently to the past and, what is even worse, to an absolutely disfigured and distorted reading of the past and in this way it is in serious danger of losing the future," he said.

Referring to possible information on some action that FYROM's delegation might be taking during the UN General Assembly, Koumoutsakos said that "countries are both represented and participate in this very serious process, having made their own options and having set their own priorities. Consequently, I shall not enter a discussion on what countries that will be participating are thinking, such as the neighbouring one. From then on, the Greek delegation and the Greek mission are fully prepared for this trip."

Asked to comment on optimism being expressed by government officials in the United States on prospects of solving the name issue and the possible assumption of some initiative by the American delegation on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the spokesman said "the efforts or contribution for support for the UN process, which remains the only and the main process for finding a solution, are welcome. But as such. Not as independent initiatives apart from and outside the UN's framework."

ANA-MPA Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.

[Foti66]

Nimetz lays fresh ideas on table in talks push

The United Nations mediator in the Macedonia name dispute yesterday gave diplomats from Athens and Skopje a «fresh set of ideas» to consider following a new round of talks in New York.

According to sources, the proposal by Matthew Nimetz includes a new suggestion for a name to replace that of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) for the neighboring country. This new name is believed to be a composite formula defining FYROM's geographical position in relation to Greece, such as Northern Macedonia or Upper Macedonia.

Nimetz said he had asked both envoys to comment on the new ideas within a few hours.

Greek diplomatic sources said Greece's envoy, Adamantios Vassilakis, would offer Nimetz his first impressions but that an official reaction from Athens would take longer to formulate.

Describing the proposal, Nimetz reportedly said it contained guidelines for a «fair solution» to the name dispute.

There was no official response from the Foreign Ministry yesterday but a ministry source told Kathimerini that «expectations were not high.»

It is thought that Greek skepticism has been fueled in part by reports that Skopje officials asked Nimetz to consider the issue of a supposed Macedonian ethnicity and language. The Greek side has insisted that only the name issue be discussed in talks.

In a related development yesterday, reports in Skopje referred to the dismissal of high-profile journalist Branko Geroski from his post as editor of the newspaper Spic because he had criticized FYROM's policy regarding Greece and NATO.

© 2008 H KAΘHMEPINH All rights reserved.

[Foti66]

Name issue talks in NYC

The UN-mediated negotiation in New York between Athens and Skopje concerns the FYROM name issue exclusively, and there is no issue of a 'Macedonian nationality', Greek negotiator Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis said in New York on Thursday night following a meeting with UN special envoy on the name issue, Matthew Nimetz.

Earlier, Nimetz held a joint session with Vassilakis and the FYROM delegation comprising chief negotiator Amb. Nikola Dimitrov and Martin Proteger, after which Vassilakis said that the UN envoy "expressed his thoughts, which the government will study, and from there on we will see what will happen".

Vassilakis told reporters that a new meeting would take place "at some time", adding that "I have nothing new to say to you at this stage" while, at his scheduled meeting later Thursday, he said that Nimetz would present "some preliminary observations".

To a question whether Nimetz had proposed name solutions, Vassilakis said: "It is not an issue of whether he proposes names. Of course, he proposes certain options, but it is not only the name which is on the table, and Mr. Nimetz himself told you so. I want all this to be a package. Therefore, you cannot separate the name from the rest."

Vassilakis also met on Thursday night with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Speaking to reporters after his bilateral meeting with Nimetz, Vassilakis stressed that "the negotiation exclusively concerns the name, and there is no 'nationality' issue".

Replying to press questions, Vassilakis said: "My initial, personal, reaction on the new ideas presented to us this morning (Thursday morning) by Mr. Nimetz was that I stressed to him that he should consider the fact that Skopje's provocative attitude is something that must be taken into serious consideration, and that to date the Greek side has maintained a stance of 'wait and see', aspiring to finding an amicable solution".

Vassilakis said he again took the opportunity to outline Greece's fundamental positions to Nimetz, as he had during the morning joint session with the FYROM negotiators.

"I believe that he, (Nimetz) comprehended what I told him at the personal level (bilateral meeting). I have already verbally briefed our foreign minister (Dora Bakoyannis). We will examine the matter of the full text, and from there on we will see what will happen," Ambassador Vassilakis added.

Stressing again that the negotiation exclusively concerns the name issue, and that there was no issue of a "Macedonian nationality", he said that "Skopje must comprehend and accept the fact that it represents only the part belonging to it. We in no instance accept that one part represents the whole".

"Also, we cannot have a different name for every category of activity, and that one name must apply for all uses. If we want to find a solution, they (Skopje) must stop their provocative statements so that we may develop friendly relations, as neighbors should have," Vassilakis explained.

Nimetz also had a bilateral meeting with Dimitriv and Proteger after the joint meeting.

ANA-MPA Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.

[Foti66]

The UN mediator warns that the name issue could be unsolved for a long time
New York.- By Apostolos Zoupaniotis


AW-SHUCKS!!!!!!


Waiting for perfection means waiting a very long time, Matthew Nimetz, UN Special Envoy, told Greek Greeks, following another round of talks between Greece and FYROM, in New York City, on Thursday.

“I hope Athens and Skopje wonʼt reject a compromise solution because it doesn't meet every requirement. Compromise solutions are never popular, unfortunately, and they are not perfect. But waiting for perfection means waiting a very long time indeed”, Matthew Nimetz said.
During his joint meeting with delegations from Greece and FYROM on Thursday, Matthew Nimetz presented new ideas on the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Speaking to reporters at the end of the two-hour meeting, Nimetz said that he provided new ideas that contain new elements and which include ideas given to him by both sides.

Nimetz further said that new meetings will be held in a few weeks, while clarifying that whether the foreign ministers of the two countries will be having a joint meeting was not up to him.

Participating in the meeting on the part of Greece was ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis and on behalf of FYROM Nikolas Dimitrov and Protoger.

An announcement by the UN Secretariat reiterated that envoy Matthew Nimetz provided new ideas on the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) during Thursday's joint meeting between delegations of Greece and FYROM.

"The joint meeting between the Secretary General's personal envoy, Matthew Nimetz, with the sides has been concluded. The meeting included an extensive discussion of all the elements of the issue, touching on the name, the way of use, identity issues and other relevant issues. Mr. Nimetz presented some revised ideas, based on the past ones. The ideas had been revised after information (the positions of the two sides) from his latest visit to the region was taken into consideration. Mr. Nimetz called on the sides to examine the ideas as a package.

"Mr. Nimetz believes that possibilities exist for a just and dignified solution that fulfills the basic demands of both countries. He will be meeting the sides again in a few weeks," the announcement said.

GREEK REACTIONS
In statements to reporters after Thursday's joint meeting ambassador Vassilakis said that Nimetz "expressed his thoughts, which the government will study and from then on we will see what will happen."

Adamantios Vassilakis stressed that "he himself told you (Nimetz) that he proposed various thoughts and it depends on the two sides to study them and to give an answer whether they accept them or not. There will be a new meeting at some time. I have nothing new to say to you at this stage."

On Thursday night, following a private meeting with UN special envoy on the name issue, Matthew Nimetz and an earlier meeting with Secretary Genaral Ban Ki-moon, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis said that the UN-mediated negotiation concerns the FYROM name issue exclusively, and there is no issue of a 'Macedonian nationality'.

Vassilakis said that the UN envoy "expressed his thoughts, which the government will study, and from there on we will see what will happen".

Vassilakis told reporters that a new meeting would take place "at some time", adding that "I have nothing new to say to you at this stage" while, at his scheduled meeting later Thursday, he said that Nimetz would present "some preliminary observations".

To a question whether Nimetz had proposed name solutions, Vassilakis said: "It is not an issue of whether he proposes names. Of course, he proposes certain options, but it is not only the name which is on the table, and Mr. Nimetz himself told you so. I want all this to be a package. Therefore, you cannot separate the name from the rest."

Replying to press questions, Vassilakis said: "My initial, personal, reaction on the new ideas presented to us this morning (Thursday morning) by Mr. Nimets was that I stressed to him that he should consider the fact that Skopje's provocative attitude is something that must be taken into serious consideration, and that to date the Greek side has maintained a stance of 'wait and see', aspiring to finding an amicable solution".

Vassilakis said he again took the opportunity to outline Greece's fundamental positions to Nimetz, as he had during the morning joint session with the FYROM negotiators.

"I believe that he, (Nimetz) comprehended what I told him at the personal level (bilateral meeting). I have already verbally briefed our foreign minister (Dora Bakoyannis). We will examine the matter of the full text, and from there on we will see what will happen," Ambassador Vassilakis added.

Stressing again that the negotiation exclusively concerns the name issue, and that there was no issue of a "Macedonian nationality", he said that "Skopje must comprehend and accept the fact that it represents only the part belonging to it. We in no instance accept that one part represents the whole".

"Also, we cannot have a different name for every category of activity, and that one name must apply for all uses. If we want to find a solution, they (Skopje) must stop their provocative statements so that we may develop friendly relations, as neighbors should have," Vassilakis explained.

Nimetz also had a bilateral meeting with Dimitriv and Proteger after the joint meeting.

KOUMOUTSAKOS
The Greek foreign ministry will evaluate the ideas submitted by UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz and get back to him with the necessary comments, observations and proposals in the coming days, Greek foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Friday. He had been asked to comment on a meeting arranged by Nimetz for the negotiators of the two sides in New York the previous day.

"Greece is participating in the negotiating process underway for the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) with its known positions clear: that there should be a single composite name containing a geographic determinant for all," the spokesman added.

The Greek negotiator was moving within this framework and would strictly adhere to these positions following instructions, he added.

"We are in one more stage of a long and difficult negotiation and there is no excuse for any sort of hurry or rush to publicly state positions," Koumoutsakos said when asked to comment on the Nimetz proposals.

The spokesman underlined, meanwhile, that Greece's constructive but determined stance on the issue had been tested and confirmed in the clearest way possible during the NATO summit at Bucharest and later in Brussels.


Copyright © 2003 - 2008 by Greek News

[zefs]

Posted: September 26, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST (13:43 PM GMT)

Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos stated that the Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis' participation in the sessions of the 63rd UN General Assembly gave the opportunity amongst others for the Greek side to raise Greece's resumption of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Presidency next year.

Furthermore, he described the Greek Presidency a challenge as it will deal with difficult and crucial issues, such as the issue in Georgia and Caucasus after the recent developments.

The Greek Presidency will also have to come into contact with the US administration as the issues it will have to manage interest the US, Russia and the UN. Moreover, the Presidency will have to brief the UN Security Council twice a year.

As a result, the Greek Presidency will have to play an important role during this period.

Regarding the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name-issue, he stressed that the Greek side remains fixed to its position, despite the fact that it is concerned over how the other side conceives the negotiating process.

As for the Cyprus issue, he reported that we are in the beginning of a fresh effort, which many believe began on President Christofias' initiative and which may lead to the much expected viable, just and operational solution of the Cyprus issue.

Concluding, Mr Koumoutsakos stressed that the Foreign minister referred to the course of bilateral relations with Turkey. Although Greece's remains steadfast over Turkey's accession to the EU and the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations, Turkey does not act likewise. "In most of the cases promises are not followed by deeds," he concluded.

phantis.com
© Copyright 2008. Phantis All Rights Reserved.

[Morphesau]

FYROM strife puts downer on name talks

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis yesterday briefed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on the outcome of her talks in New York regarding the Macedonia name dispute, as a high-level political clash in Skopje cast a shadow over the prospects for a settlement.

Bakoyannis, who had talks with her counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Antonio Milososki, in Paris more than a week ago, broached the issue of the name spat over the weekend with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose special envoy Matthew Nimetz is mediating negotiations between Athens and Skopje. It was unclear yesterday what input Bakoyannis had received from the UN chief. But Greek diplomats were downbeat after a meeting between FYROM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and the country’s president, Branko Crvenkovski, was described by sources in Skopje as “a total disaster.” The two FYROM politicians have been at loggerheads for a long time, with the name spat a particularly sore point. But yesterday’s meeting is said to have left the two men more divided than ever. Gruevski reportedly called for an end to UN-mediated talks between Greek and FYROM representatives and wants Nimetz to send proposals directly to the governments of each country. Crvenkovski, who did not back Gruevski’s stance, called for patience at this crucial phase of talks.

Meanwhile, Greek diplomats are concerned about the new proposal being drafted by Nimetz. They are said to be unsettled by reports that Nimetz aims to propose that the nationality of FYROM citizens be stated as “Makedonski” on official documents. They think this would work in Skopje’s favor, bringing the issue of so-called Macedonian ethnicity into the name talks.

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w...09/2008_100904

[akritas]

FYROM rebuffs Nimitz proposal

Greece reassessing stance after FYROM president appears to reject Nimetz idea

Diplomats in Athens were reassessing the state of play yesterday after the president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Branko Crvenkovski appeared to reject a new proposal by the United Nations mediator in the Macedonia name dispute.

“The initial conclusion is that without serious changes, this set of ideas could not serve as a basis for further negotiations and resolution of the dispute,” Crvenkovski said.

The suggestion by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz that FYROM henceforth be known as the Republic of Northern Macedonia had been cautiously welcomed by Athens earlier this week as “a very good basis for negotiations” although it “needed improvements in certain areas.”

FYROM envoys attending UN-mediated talks in New York had also seemed upbeat, saying the proposal was “improved” and “more specific than ever.”

But the critical assessment delivered yesterday by Crvenkovski disappointed diplomats in Greece, not least because the president has had a relatively moderate stance compared to FYROM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

According to sources, Greek government officials are debating their strategy but will await further comments expected to be made by political leaders in FYROM over the next few days.

Top diplomats in Athens put on a brave face. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis briefed all opposition party leaders on developments in the name talks yesterday, stressing the need for “a united national front” on the name dispute.Communist Party (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga said that Nimetz’s proposal could lead to a compromise, provided that the still hazy issue of ethnic identity is cleared up. Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras said the proposal was “a step toward a solution.” The strongest criticism came from the main opposition PASOK. It rejected the proposal, noting that the government’s slim parliamentary majority does not allow it to take a bold approach in name talks.

source: e-kathimerini

[New Politics]

Athens readies for second veto on Vardarska
After the veto on Vardarska's NATO entry, Greece is ready to veto Vardarska's bid to start accession talks with the European Union, Greek daily said, in an attempt to exert pressure on Vardarska.


To Vima daily quotes reliable sources as saying that the new proposal of mediator Matthew Nimetz would be close to Greek position (Northern Macedonia) but it would not suit Athens as to the use of name and passports.

This could lead to a second Greek veto by the Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' government, which currently faces inner turmoil.

Matthew Nimetz, mediator in the Greek-Vardarskan dispute over the name, will present his new proposal in New York on Tuesday, when he meets separately with representatives of both countries. A joint meeting is expected to take place on Wednesday. //06.10.08


The VETO of EU accession talks for Vardarska will be a blow that is more serious than that of the NATO.