The Greek press is speculating that the U.S is increasingly pressuring the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to accept a compromise in regards to its name dispute with Greece. The speculation is focused on a statement from the State Department head, Matthew Reynolds, that the '"Republic of Macedonia" cannot constitute a final solution for the country's name'.

The Greek newspaper 'Ethnos' reported of deep concern in Skopje at signs that the U.S is beginning to ice its support for FYROM in the name dispute with Greece.

The recent blocking of a new ambassador to FYROM in Congress by senator Robert Mendez was withdrawn only after Mr. Mendez recieved assurances that the new ambassador would not in anyway encourage the "irredentism" and territorial aspirations which the former Yugoslav republic allegedly has against Greece.

The letter from the State Department criticising Skopje's intransigence on the name issue is believed to be a response to these concerns.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki said in an interview with Skopje daily 'Dnevnik' his country is prepared to strike “a reasonable compromise” but said it would not be prepared to be "dictated" to by Greece.

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