Both Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will benefit if the name deal agreed between the two countries is implemented as soon as possible, the Balkan country’s Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said.
In an interview with Euronews published on Sunday, the FYROM prime minister said that it is important that the Prespa agreement is ratified and implemented as soon as possible.
“There’s plenty of time, but we all agree that the sooner the deal is implemented, the better it will be for both countries, as the agreement offers many benefits,” he was quoted as saying.
The implementation of the deal will open the way for Greece’s northern neighbor to become member of NATO and the European Union.
A week ago, FYROM residents went to the polls to vote on a referendum whether they agree with the Prespa agreement, according to which the two sides agreed to a name change to “Republic of North Macedonia” and some changes to FYROM’s Constitution.
Even though 91 percent of voters casted a “Yes” ballot, only about 35 percent of registered voters participated, making the results of the referendum invalid.
“I am pleased with the success of this fully democratic process where all determined voters cast their vote to say in what direction they want the country to go. Ninety-one percent sent a clear message to our politicians that deputies should go to Parliament and ratify it,” Zaev said.
In order for the Prespa agreement to be ratified in the FYROM parliament, a two-thirds majority in Parliament is needed. At the moment, Zaev is only nine votes short.
If the deal is not ratified in parliament, then, Zaev said, he will have to go to early elections. “But Macedonia doesn’t need elections,” he noted.
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