US Understands Greek Stand on 'Name Issue'

Papandreou told reporters that the discussion he had with the US President Barack Obama regarding the name row focused on the ongoing UN brokered efforts for finding a compromise solution, Greek ANA MPA news agency said on Thursday.

He reiterated Greece’s position in the UN talks, which envisages a mutually acceptable name for neighboring Macedonia that includes a geographical qualifier for all uses.

Athens and Skopje are locked in a long lasting spat over the use of the name Macedonia. Greece insists that its neighbor’s official name, Republic of Macedonia, implies territorial claims on Greece's own northern territory, also called Macedonia.

In 2008 Athens refused to allow Skopje’s entry into NATO over the name row. In December Athens also prevented the EU from extending a date for start of Skopje’s EU accession talks because of the row.

Papandreou’s visit to the US mainly focused on the current economical turmoil in Greece. He asked for US support in his effort to stabilize the high budget deficit that Athens faces.

Greek PM wrapped up his visit yesterday carrying an unexpected gift from the US administration, a long awaited visa waiver for Greeks visiting the US.