[ALBSA-Info] UN mediator: A compromise is close on FYROM's name

[Gazhebo at aol.com]

UN mediator: A compromise is close on FYROM's name
Nimetz says both countries readier than ever to find solution

By Tom Ellis

Matthew Nimetz, the present UN mediator on the issue of the name for FYROM. 
'This issue is susceptible to a solution that preserves the dignity of both 
sides and is politically acceptable to both,' he says. 'I think something can 
be found.' Nimetz is not making any predictions though, saying 'It needs 
political consensus on both sides.' He says that a solution is foreseeable.

Conditions in Greece and FYROM have matured and both sides are willing to 
find a solution soon to the dispute over FYROM's name, according to the UN 
mediator on the issue, Matthew Nimetz.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis will visit Skopje in a few days and meet with 
his counterpart Ljubco Georgievski on the sidelines of the summit of 
southeastern European countries. The interim agreement signed in September 
1995 stemmed from the dynamic intervention of several individuals, including 
Richard Holbrooke, then assistant secretary of state; the UN mediator of the 
time, Cyrus Vance; Matthew Nimetz, then the US mediator; and the two 
countries' prime ministers of the time, Andreas Papandreou and Kiro Gligorov. 
Now the last remaining disagreement between Athens and Skopje may be on the 
verge of resolution.

Nimetz says the FYROM government and opposition realize that resolving the 
name issue is a basic prerequisite for good relations with Greece. The UN 
sees a solution as more necessary than ever due to volatility in southern 
Serbia, and uncertainty concerning the future of Kosovo and possibly of the 
Albanians in FYROM. The UN also believes that the prospect of political and 
economic support from Athens along with its role as a bridge to the EU are 
factors that do not go unnoticed in Skopje.

A compromise solution

Nimetz avoids mentioning any of the compromise names under discussion, as 
negotiations are at a delicate stage. He simply says it will be a compromise 
solution. UN sources believe Greek public opinion is ready for a solution, 
but things are more difficult in FYROM, "because it is their name." 

Kathimerini spoke to Matthew Nimetz in Washington.

You visited Skopje recently. Is FYROM ready for a solution?

The secretary general of the United Nations is interested in the issue. I 
went to Skopje after many years and I had very intensive talks with leaders 
of the government and other responsible people. I found a very strong desire 
to resolve this issue, and recognition that the relationship with Greece has 
improved greatly and now needs to go to a new level. All recognize the 
priority of the relationship with Greece.

How much is this to do with the fact that the interim agreement will expire 
in a year and a half?

The interim agreement does not expire automatically, but continues to apply 
as long as neither party demands that it end. And this is useful because the 
agreement contains many positive elements, from recognition to provisions for 
good bilateral relations. When the interim agreement was signed, the 
relationship was very bad. There were no economic or political relations. In 
the five years since the interim agreement there has been a major change in a 
positive direction on many different levels. But the issue hangs over the 
relationship and is an impediment in really going all the way and resolving 
all the issues. I think there is a recognition in both countries that to get 
to the next level of a very close relationship they have to put this issue 
behind them. 

How much effect does the unsettled situation in the area have?

There is volatility in the area. Everybody understands that. For Skopje in 
its relations with Greece, the EU, and NATO, they all benefit by settling 
this.

Does Skopje accept this assessment?

Yes, it does. The solution will also - and I think this is very important - 
demonstrate that issues can be solved by the people in the region. That you 
do not need outsiders, third parties, to come in and try and solve them. It 
is a great example of two mature governments working this out.

I found in Skopje, and also in the Greek government, serious people on both 
sides. I have spent time with all the interested parties: In the parliaments, 
the governments, the opposition parties, the Albanian parties. And they all 
assured me that they would take a constructive attitude on the issue. Now, 
they may have different points of view, but this is a issue of national 
importance. I was heartened by that in Skopje. There is a seriousness of 
purpose.
Are we closer to a solution now than ever before?

You always come closer. I believe that the two governments would like to find 
a solution. A solution to this issue requires a compromise on both sides, 
because there are people in each country that view this in absolutist terms. 
And if you are an absolutist in this issue you despair of a solution. 
However, this issue is susceptible to a solution that preserves the dignity 
of both sides and is politically acceptable to both. I think something can be 
found that could be an acceptable solution. 

Soon?

Yes, it should be.

Could be it be in a few months?

Yes, but I am not going to make a predictions. I did so last year and I was 
wrong. It needs a political consensus on both sides. But I believe it is 
perfectly possible to have a solution in a reasonable period.

What form will it take?

I can't say what will be acceptable to both sides. All I can do is present 
proposals, formulas and timetables, but not take the final decisions. They 
will be taken by the leaders of both sides. And the prime ministers will be 
meeting in a few days' time.