Greeks divided on proposed deal to end name row with Macedonia

ATHENS: Greeks were divided yesterday on a proposed compromise deal to end a nearly three- decade name row with Macedonia, with some questioning its benefits and others pointing out that obstacles remain.

The leaders of the two countries said Tuesday that they had reached a “historic” solution to resolve the dispute and call the northern nation the Republic of North Macedonia after months of intensive diplomacy.

“A mutually beneficial deal creates a safe environment on our northern border. Greece needs this because of tension with Turkey,” said Vassiliki Georgiadou, a political scientist at Athens’ Panteion university, wrote in the Ta Nea newspaper.

However, both governments have faced internal criticism over of the compromise, with the countries’ main opposition parties saying they will not support it.

After the deal was announced, Greek conservative and main opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called it a “bad agreement”.

“The acceptance of the Macedonian language and nationality is an unacceptable national retreat,” he said.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev hailed the deal on Tuesday, saying “we have a historic solution after two and a half decades. Our agreement includes Republic of North Macedonia for overall use”. — AFP

File photo of people demonstrating to urge the government not to compromise in the festering name row with neighbouring Macedonia at the Syntagma Square in Athens. — AFP photo