PM Zaev hopes for name solution by mid-2018

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expects a solution to the 25-year-long name dispute with Greece by mid-2018 and activation of the NATO membership invitation for Macedonia at the June summit.

PM Zaev told Bulgarian TV station Nova that a possible solution would be subject to referendum approval.

“The referendum should serve as an additional guarantee for our Greek friends, because it will remove all doubts, while the people will stand behind the solution. I am convinced that Macedonians are prepared for this. However, we are still in the midst of negotiations and I hope the solution will preserve the dignity of Macedonian and Greek citizens,” says Zaev.

According to him, efforts are invested for the opening of debates in both countries over a mutually acceptable solution.

“I hope we will reach solutions acceptable for both parties, because the settlement should maintain the dignity and identity of both countries. This is the only way to build partnerships and this requires a sustainable foundation,” stresses PM Zaev.