Theodorakis: Ecumenical Patriarch wants to solve Skopje church issue

 Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is working intensively behind the scenes and is committed to close the Skopje church issue, says Stavros Theodorakis, leader of Greek party Potami.

In an interview with Greek radio Alpha 989, Theodorakis says he asked the patriarch during his recent visit to Athens what will happen to the Macedonian orthodox church.

“He said their request for a canonical return is positively reviewed. He is an optimist but there are obvious obstacles from Serbia and Russia. However, I saw that the patriarch is committed, he is a smart man and is working on removing this thorn. It would be good for the Skopje church to go back to a name that will not cause tensions and this will be the first victory against irredentist policies,” says Theodorakis.

The Potami leader voices optimism over the name solution, saying it is in Greece’s interest to reach an agreement, because “Greece behavior maybe moves Skopje closer to Turkey.”

“If Greece fails to extend its arms to our neighbors, if we do not help them exist as members of the European community, of course not today but in years to come, then the gap will be filled by Turkey. The question goes for those who are protesting and those who have reservations. Do you think that Greece should have a Turkish front at its northern border too?,” elaborates Theodorakis.

Asked about the Macedonian language and the Macedonian identity as part of the agreement, Theodorakis says “self-determination is a right guaranteed by the United Nations.”

He says it is ridiculous for Greece to feel threatened by Skopje.

“I do not feel threatened by Skopje. If someone feel this way, they should talk about it within their group and probably with their doctor. It is ridiculous to be a Greek Macedonian in Northern Greece and feel that this country, which is trying to stand on its feet, poses a threat,” stresses Theodorakis.

He adds that PM Zaev is a leader that Greece can talk to, because he is a social-democratic and a European politician.