French president Nicholas Sarkozy has once again pledged his support for the Greece's position in its name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

French president Nicholas Sarkozy has once again pledged his support for the Greece's position in its name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Ahead of his visit to Athens on friday, Sarkozy has said in an interview with Greek newspaper Kathimerini that "In regards to the naming of FYROM, France is and will remain united with Greece." The French President also went on to say that "I supported the Greek position at the recent NATO Summit because I believe that within an alliance, the relations must be based on confidence and because the Greek position is responsible and open to dialogue. I hope that the negotiations can proceed in relation to this issue."

In relation to FYROM's prospects of EU and NATO accession Mr. Sarkozy said the Macedonian naming dispute was "a substantial issue because it will allow the entrance of Skopje into NATO and the European Union."

 (SOURCE: KATHIMERINI)

 (Photo: Karamanlis and Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace in Paris July 30, 2007)

---

Related Items:

• Accused war criminal returns to hero welcome in FYR Macedonia
• AMAC takes out ad in Australian newspaper
• Americans dont like it when shoe is on other foot
• Ask what you can do for your country and citizens
• EU and UN reps rebuke Gruevski behaviour