Ivanov snubs referendum

– Macedonia held a referendum yesterday on whether to change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, a move that would resolve a decades-old name dispute with Greece.

Greece, which has a province called Macedonia, maintains its northern neighbour’s name represents a claim on its territory and has vetoed its entrance into Nato and the EU.

Athens and Skopje struck a deal in June, based on the proposed new name, but nationalist opponents argue the change would undermine the ethnic identity of the country’s Slavic majority population.

President Gjorge Ivanov said he would not vote in the referendum and a boycott campaign has cast doubts on whether turnout will meet the minimum 50% required for it to be valid.

The question on the ballot read: “Are you for Nato and EU membership with acceptance of the agreement with Greece”.

Supporters of the name change, including Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, argue it is a price worth paying for admission.

Although not legally binding, enough members of parliament have said they will abide by the vote’s outcome to make it decisive. The name change requires a two-thirds majority in parliament. – Reuters

Skopje