Accord signed for new name

PRESPES: The foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia signed an accord yesterday to rename the former Yugoslav republic the ‘‘Republic of North Macedonia’’.

The landmark accord follows decades of inconclusive talks which had soured relations between the two countries and held up the admission of the Balkan state into the EU and Nato, of which Greece is a member.

The agreement still requires the approval of both parliaments and a referendum in Macedonia.

‘‘We have a historic responsibility that this deal is not held in abeyance, and I am confident that we will manage it,’’ Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said as he and his Macedonian counterpart, Zoran Zaev, received a standing ovation from guests at a lakeside ceremony.

Tsipras survived a noconfidence vote mounted by Greece’s Opposition in Parlia ment on Saturday, but the depth of public emotion against the deal is strong.

On Saturday, thousands protested outside Parliament shouting ‘‘Traitor, traitor!’’ as lawmakers debated inside.

Up to 70% of Greeks object to the compromise, an opinion poll by the Proto Thema newspaper showed on Saturday.

Under the deal, Greece will lift its objections to the renamed nation joining the EU and Nato.

‘‘Our two countries have to turn from the past and look to the future,’’ Zaev said.

‘‘We were bold enough to take a step forward.’’

Greece has been in dispute with Macedonia since 1991 over the former Yugoslav republic’s name, arguing it could imply territorial claims over the Greek province of Macedonia and an appropriation of ancient Greek culture and civilisation. — Reuters