The United Nations mediator on the naming dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) has expressed optimism that a mutually acceptable solution will be found.
On the eve of his arrival to Greece for two-day talks on ways to solve the 27-year-old dispute, Matthew Nimetz told Kathimerini that both sides must be realistic and be ready to make compromises.
He acknowledged that there were differences both between Greece and FYROM as well as within the two countries.
Commenting on the meeting last week at the Swiss resort of Davos between Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and FYROM premier Zoran Zaev, Nimetz described the engagement as “positive and important”.
“[It was] a meeting of historic importance if it finally leads to a solution of the differences between the two neighboring countries,” he was quoted as saying.
It was time for the talks to intensify, said Nimetz, adding that he was coming to Athens and Skopje for discussion to take the process forward.
“I believe that the dynamic exists now for finding solutions,” the veteran diplomat said.
“We can move to a rapid process in order to have a positive result within a few months, maybe sooner,” Nimetz said.
After Athens, the American diplomat is expected to spend the following two days in FYROM.
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