Nikos Kotzias on the FYROM deal: “We have secured the end of irredentism against Greece”

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on Monday evening outlined the details of the agreement being hammered out with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in an interview with the Greek TV station Kontra.

On the issue of ethnicity, he noted that Skopje currently designates those residing within FYROM with the specific geographical designations “Albanians or SlavoMacedonians” that have nothing in common with the ancient Greek civilisation and with Greek Macedonia.

“When we have secured the end of irredentism, the recognition of the borders, an end to theories that existed in FYROM that they have a minority here, the erga omnes that I believe there will be at the end or the changes we outlined in their legislative system, they will also get something,” he said, referring to the ‘Macedonian’ language that has been established by the United Nations.

The distinction between international documents (passport) and domestic documents (identity card) does not exist any longer and this was taken into account in a way that respects the identity of the people of the neigbouring country, said Kotzias, adding that the solution Greece desires is a solution that can stand the test of time and will demonstrate its advantages for both peoples.

Kotzias stated that the problem with FYROM’s constitution has been resolved, while adding that he is “very excited by the prospect of also resolving the problem with name of the Church of Skopje.”

“I believe we can become the best partners in the region,” said Kotzias referring to Athens-Skopje relations. “We have nothing to be afraid of. There is a fear over a country that has neither fighter planes nor tanks. It is struggling to survive, to find its European path and the path to prosperity,” he said.

Source: AMNA