Dimitrov and Kotzias hold fresh round of talks in Ohrid


Macedonian and Greek Foreign Ministers Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias hold fresh round of talks Thursday in Ohrid in an attempt to reach a deal on the issue of name dispute.

Dimitrov expects progress in the name talks at Thursday’s meeting with Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias.

“The issue is important and all rounds of talks are difficult, and therefore expect thorough discussions. I hope for progress. I believe that the treatment of the process by Macedonia and Greece signals it is in a delicate stage. We are focused on these talks and I hope that the spirit of Ohrid will help us in our efforts,” Dimitrov said Wednesday.

Kotzias said Wednesday in Belgrade that a step forward has been made in the name dispute and its settlement requires compromise.

“Realism and pragmatism is the key to solution. Compromise is needed, but not a rotten one. Both sides need to understand that they cannot get everything,” said FM Kotzias after meeting Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic.

Greek media comment that the most critical meeting of all is the one with Dimitrov in Ohrid and that the differences are the same and unchanged, referring to the revision of the Constitution, the erga omnes, i.e. the use of the new name, language and identity, but add that there is still mutual willingness on both sides to reach a solution.

Kotzias arrived in Ohrid last night where he had working dinner with his host Dimitrov.