The European Commission on Wednesday proposed the start of accession talks with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) for the fifth time, while noting the need to persevere with efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute with Greece concerning the country’s name.
In its 62-page progress report, the Commission stressed that FYROM continues to fully meet the criteria for starting accession negotiations with the European Union, though urging further progress in areas such as the independence of justice, freedom of expression, electoral reform and others.
Among others, it notes that the dispute over the name issue with Greece is still outstanding and no solution has been found in the 20 years since FYROM joined the United Nations. It notes that FYROM continues to take part in the UN-sponsored talks and in direct contact with Greece, adding that the UN-mediated negotiations, as well as bilateral meetings and talks, must continued with greater intensity.
The Commission’s report also refers to FYROM’s relations with Greece and the visits made by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz to Athens, Skopje and the talks in New York.
Among others, it notes that steps have been made but that the issue of the name remains unresolved, emphasising that maintaining good neighbour relations, including participation in negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution, remains essential. It further asks for a “constructive approach” to relations with neighbouring countries and an avoidance of actions or statements that might have a negative impact on good neighbour relations.
Finally, Greece is listed among the biggest sources of foreign investment in FYROM, along with the Netherlands, Austria and Slovenia.
(source: ana-mpa)
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