Ban Ki-moon: Name issue to be resolved ‘once and for all’


The fact that a name solution was reached is encouraging, but it is concerning that there is discontent among the people, according to Ban Ki-moon.

The former UN chief has expressed hope that the decades-long dispute between the countries will be fully closed as soon as possible, MIA’s Athens correspondent reports citing his statement to ANA-MPA news agency.

“I am very much encouraged by the fact that both sides have agreed to resolve this longstanding name issue. At the same time I am also concerned that there is certain discontent among the people,” the former UN Secretary General told the Greek news agency.

“I sincerely hope that this name issue will be resolved once and for all as soon as possible. This name issue has been preventing both countries from promoting a concilatory and much more cooperative relationship. At the same it has also affected both countries in extending the cooperative relationship not only among Europeans but other countries; of course the United Nations too. I sincerely hope that they will make the final push,” Ban Ki-moon added.