Zaev: The country is proud of choosing a ‘uniting’ solution

The country is proud of choosing a ‘uniting’ solution, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Sunday at the signing of an agreement closing the years-long name dispute between Macedonia and Greece.

“We are proud of this agreement of ours. We are proud of having been able to unite over a solution to a dispute that has been dividing us and we have chosen a solution that unites us. By signing the final agreement for the settlement of the name issue and the establishment of a strategic partnership between our two countries – we have moved mountains. When many were in doubt, we have assured them that it is possible! Today we are putting an end to a dispute. We are putting an end to years-long differences that had erected a wall, which had hindered many friendly relations between the neighbors,” Zaev said in his address at the ceremony in the Greek village of Psarades on Lake Prespa.

Today, he said, is a celebratory act and an expression of commitment to finding a solution in the interest of the future and the citizens of the two countries.

“We have learned that we should learn from history, rather than repeat it. On the foundations of the past we are building the future.”

According to PM Zaev, the solution and the negotiating process have made a friend out of Greece, which many believed is an irreconcilable enemy.

“We are building a friendship with Greece. We will be partners and allies. They will be our supporters. Together, we are paving the way for strategic partnership, for benefits for the citizens of the two nations,” he said at the ceremony.

The agreement inked today, Zaev said, creates a chance, and it is a historic opportunity for enhanced cooperation, stronger economic ties, increasing growth and development.

The Macedonian Premier also referred to the opponents of the deal both in Macedonia and Greece. “It’s European to have an opinion.”

“It is also European to talk and to give the solution a chance through the decision-making procedures of the institutions… Our nations have the responsibility to rally around equality between nations, human dignity and solidarity. The European concept is a civilization value, a democratic one that fights against manipulations of populism and of fear. Europe is stronger than fear. Greeks, Macedonians, Europeans are stronger than fear. The European family knows no borders,” stressed PM Zaev.

He thanked UN name envoy Matthew Nimetz, who has attended the ceremony on his birthday. He has focused most of his career on mediating the name issue. Zaev also thanked the EU and its representatives for their assistance, the United States and the NATO allies.

“I also want to thank the heads of state and government of our neighboring countries. Their encouragement and assistance played a key importance in certain moments,” noted Macedonian PM Zaev.