Greece deserves great praise for the decision on North Macedonia, Steven Erlanger says
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Greece deserves great praise for the decision on North Macedonia,” Steven Erlanger Chief Diplomatic Correspondent – Europe, The New York Times, Brussels, said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA).
Asked on the significance of the Prespa agreement for Greece, the Balkans, the EU and NATO, he replied:
“Very important. It unblocks a long-standing veto, it is a credit to both sides. It is a blow to Russia, though not a huge one, but fills in a space in the Balkans. It will allow North Macedonia to take its rightful place in the world, and it is a credit to Tsipras and to Greece as a whole.”
The full interview follows:
– We are in the third year of US governance by Donald Trump. How do you assess his administration?
Too complicated for a brief answer. Ι would just say that he is a disruptor, and his power is less now that the Democrats have won the House. But he retains great influence over foreign and trade policy, judicial appointments and federal regulations.
– How will the UK and the EU be affected by a no-deal Brexit? Also, how will it affect US relations with both the EU and the United Kingdom?
No one wants it but it looks quite possible now. It will be messy, but I believe countries of the EU have prepared for it better than the UK has. Theresa May seems to have lost control of the UK domestic process. As for the U.S., I don’t think it will make a significant change. Trump will talk about the wonderful trade deal he’ll do with the U.K., but it won’t be quick, and it won’t be wonderful.
-U.S. relations with Turkey are not good at this time. How might this affect Greece?
It shouldn’t. But Greece deserves great praise for the decision on North Macedonia. That will matter more.
– Should the USA restore strong economic relations with Europe?
It already has strong economic relations with Europe.
– What is the significance of the Prespa agreement for Greece, the Balkans, the EU and NATO?
Very important. It unblocks a long-standing veto, it is a credit to both sides. It is a blow to Russia, though not a huge one, but fills in a space in the Balkans. It will allow North Macedonia to take its rightful place in the world, and it is a credit to Tsipras and to Greece as a whole.
– What’s at stake in US-China talks?
First, money. China’s economy is slowing. Higher tariffs will hurt everyone, and are clearly a bargaining chip for Washington. Trump is obsessed with reducing America’s trade balance with China AND with the E.U. But he needs to be careful, too, if consumer prices rise too high as a result.
Source: ANA-MPA
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