Macedonia 'Should Not Fear For Its Identity'

Ambassador Erwan Fouere reiterated the position of EU Enlargement Commission Stefan Fuele, who stressed recently that it is important for both sides to intensify meetings in order to ensure there are no misunderstandings regarding the content of the talks.

“Identity is something sacred for every nation and it must not be touched upon in this context," said Fouere, pointing out that the UN mediator, Matthew Nimetz, had also noted that the talks focus on the name issue alone.

Athens insists that Skopje must change its official name, Republic of Macedonia, before Greece will agree to unblock the country's NATO and EU bids. Skopje fears that by doing so it could lose its dignity and identity.

Asked if Macedonia led a balanced policy towards its neighbours, taking into consideration the name row with Greece and Sofia's remarks on alleged violation of human rights and hate speech, the EU ambassador said important discussions with Bulgaria were ongoing that should result in the settlement of a variety of open issues.

In 2008, Greece blocked Macedonia from entering NATO pending a solution to the long lasting spat. Athens argues that another name for the country must be found. Greece's northern province is also called Macedonia, and Athens says its neighbour's current name implies territorial claims.

In December Athens blocked Skopje from getting a start date for its EU accession talks over the same issue.

Mediator Nimetz is expected soon to make his next step in the bilateral talks, possibly by summoning the two sides in his HQ in New York.