After two separate successive meetings he had on Monday and Tuesday in New York, with both Greek and FYROM representatives, Matthew Nimetz expressed his readiness to visit the two countries, possibly as soon as February, provided that an agreement is initially made on the dates of his contacts with the two governments.
The Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General for the talks between Greece and Skopje, Matthew Nimetz, after the conclusion of his meetings with Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis and Ambassador Zoran Jolevski, stated that the two separate meetings were held at his request, stressing that both sides presented the positions of their respective governments on the central issue, as they stand at the present time.
Furthermore, he noted that the discussions were “helpful” and focused on finding the optimal way to develop the process in a constructive manner. The UN mediator believes that “each government is sincere”, and he was given assurances that they are interested in finding a solution and “fully respect the United Nations process”.
Lastly, Mr. Nimetz stated that “given these assurances, I will engage in further consultations with the two representatives to arrange a visit to the two capitals, so as to continue discussions. As we are moving forward”, he stressed, “I have asked both parties to demonstrate their commitment to the resolution process of their dispute, promoting a positive atmosphere with their actions and public statements”.
Greece’s representative during the talks, ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis, stated that “our country has been continuously supporting Mr. Nimetz’ mandate and sought the execution of those meetings, so that the process is activated, under the UN”.
Subsequently, Mr. Vassilakis mentions “on occasion, I would like to highlight Greece’s strong will to achieve a mutually accepted resolution, as it was clearly formulated during the reading of the government’s programmed statements too. Greece is taking part in the process with constructive positions and expects FYROM to do the same, but I must add that we won’t achieve anything through provocations and attacks, and that is not in the interest of any party. We believe that what is necessary is political will on both parts. Greece has demonstrated that it possesses a political will”.
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