Macedonia changes name to North Macedonia

MACEDONIA - The country formerly known as the Republic of Macedonia officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia on Tuesday, on paper ending a decadeslong dispute that should pave the way for NATO membership. The country can be called “North Macedonia” for short and the national language should continue to be referred to as “Macedonian,” state spokesman Mile Boshnjakovski told CNN.

He added that its citizens should continue to be called “Macedonians,” not “North Macedonians.” After declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the country chose the name Macedonia. But that title severely strained relations with neighbor Greece, which also has a region called Macedonia.

The Greek region of Macedonia lies in the northern, mountainous part of the country and includes its secondlargest city, Thessaloniki, as well as the Unesco World Heritage Site of Philippi. Greece, a member of both NATO and the European Union, had been blocking North Macedonia’s membership to the military alliance and the beginning of accession talks with the EU until the name dispute was resolved.

But under a name deal reached between Athens and Skopje last month, Greece will lift its objections, paving the way for its neighbor’s integration. The deal faced widespread criticism in both countries leading up to its ratification. A September referendum in Skopje saw low turnout.

Following months of street protests in Athens that were in some cases marred by violence, the deal was finally ratified in the Greek parliament on January 25. Both countries had been under pressure to resolve the 27-year dispute, as Western nations see the further integration of Balkan countries into the EU and NATO as a way of improving the region›s stability.

But Russia openly opposes North Macedonia›s aspirations, having long been a major player in the region. Despite the name change, concerns still remain. Opponents say the addition of the word «North» may help to define geographical terms but it does nothing to separate nationality and language. (CNN)