Gruevski, Papandreou Hold Informal Meeting

The two met on the sidelines of the EU-Latin America and Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit.

The parlay was spontaneous and cordial, the prime minister’s office reported. The two leaders expressed their desire and willingness to settle the unresolved spat as soon as possible.

Both parties stressed their commitment to the UN led talks and openness for further direct meetings, Gruevski’s office said. Moreover, the two discussed the future of the region and the necessity of its integration into the EU.

The meeting, which was unannounced, comes amid increased speculations of a fresh round of the UN-led name talks that should put an end to the long lasting spat.

UN spokesperson Ari Gaitanis said late Monday in a press release that the UN mediator in the spat has not yet set a date for the new talks but that he is in touch with both sides.

The unresolved issue with Greece has blocked Skopje’s efforts to become a member of NATO and the EU.

In 2008 Athens blocked Skopje from entering NATO, arguing that Skopje’s official name, Republic of Macedonia, implies territorial claims against its own northern territory, which is also called Macedonia.

In December Athens prevented the EU from issuing a start date for Skopje’s EU accession talks, citing the same unresolved issue.