FM Dimitrov’s statements ‘not helpful’, says Greek gov’t spokesman

Nikola Dimitrov’s statements are not helpful, said Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, spokesman of the Greek government, in an interview with Greece’s state broadcaster TV ERT in a comment on the position expressed yesterday by the Macedonian Foreign Minister after his meeting with UN mediator Matthew Nimetz in Skopje.

“The political leadership of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in the past few months has changed an array of statements from the past, it has adopted a more moderate position, which has helped negotiations and talks move forward and create a favorable climate between the countries. I believe that Mr. Dimitrov’s statements, during ongoing negotiations, are not helpful in this context, because he knows very well, and these topics were discussed by both leaders, Mr. Zaev and Mr. Tsipras, that there are concrete demands, political demands in order to reach a mutually acceptable agreement,” stated Tzanakopoulos.

The government spokesman said Athens believed that the negotiations featured three different issues that were being discussed, i.e. ‘three main pillars of Greek positions,.

“The first one involves a compound name. The second refers to what we call an erga omnes compound name, which targets the neighbour because it would require a constitutional revision to pave the way for this erga omnes solution. And the third pillar involves irredentistic claims, which would also require a revision of the Constitution. And I think it will be a good thing to stay out of predicting the outcome and laying down red lines,” the gov’t spokesman elaborated.