Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-06-12

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Talks on FYROM at UN

[01] Talks on FYROM at UN

Nimetz talks with the representatives of Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in negotiations on the issue of the neighbouring country's name, Ambassadors Adamantios Vassilakis and Nikola Dimitrov respectively, at the UN headquarters lasted for over two hours.

Speaking after the meeting, Nimetz said that "a review took place" of the issue and that he will be visiting the region soon, but not next week but later on.

"Both sides expressed their will to proceed with the examination of aspects for a solution to the issue," he added.

The envoy also mentioned that he has not submitted any new proposal, but there are "various ideas", however, that are being discussed "with the purpose of achieving a mutually acceptable solution."

Asked whether any progress has been achieved, he said that "the gap has narrowed, but it has not been bridged."

On the question of the situation prevailing in FYROM, he stressed that "there is a new government and it has clarified what the leadership of the country will be, there is a president and it is known who the prime minister will be," adding that "the leadership of the country has agreed that this issue must be resolved and I cannot see why there should not be a continuation of the process."

Replying to another question, he pointed out that "both sides are showing good faith and following the developments of the past months (Greek veto against FYROM's NATO entry, elections in FYROM), they have introduced new factors," adding that "both sides are focusing more on the goal which is the finding of a solution."

They are aware, as he said, of "what is feasible and what is not."

Also replying to a question on whether a timetable exists and, more specifically, by July 9 when the NATO accession protocol of Albania and Croatia will be signed and if there are pressures by the State Department for a solution by then, he said that "there are no timetables, this can be positive or negative" and that "the State Department ardently desires a solution to be achieved," but he himself does not have the feeling that pressures are being exerted.

On the part of FYROM, apart from Dimitrov, also present at the UN headquarters was Martin Protoger.

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