Macedonia is close to completion of the dispute with Greece about its name. Prime Minister Goran Zaev after the meeting with his Greek counterpart said that the country can be renamed in Ilindensko Macedonia
Zoran Zaev (left) and Alexis Tsipras
(Photo: Stoyan Nenov / Reuters)
In talks with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras a variant of renaming of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in Ilindensko Macedonia was recognized as the most optimal, Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev. This is stated in the message on the website of the Prime Minister of Macedonia.
“Ilindenska Republic of Macedonia is the name by which Greece is a possible compromise. English — Ilinden Republic of Macedonia, the Albania — Republika e Ilindenase Maqedonisе”, declared Zaev. In accordance with the state interests this has already informed the President, the Parliament and the leaders of the major parties, added Zaev.
“A possible decision [in the referendum] we will save our dignity, reaffirm and strengthen our identity”, added Zaev. According to him, the new name will ensure the existence of a multiethnic Macedonia. Finally the new name of Macedonia will be determined by a referendum, said earlier Zaev.
After the collapse of Yugoslavia, Macedonia gained independence under the name Republic of Macedonia. At the insistence of Greece to the UN the country was admitted as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Athens is considered that with the real name of Macedonia reserves the right to claim the Greek province with the same name. In this regard, Greece is blocking Macedonia”s accession to the European Union and NATO.
New name Macedonia refers to Ilindenskoto revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1903, which began August 2, St. Elijah”s day. Now is the main holiday in Macedonia.
