For about 30 years, two countries are fighting for one name. In the past decades, the world powers differ supporting one side or the other, or both of them to reach the historical agreement.
The US are looking for the solution of the dispute between Greece and FYR Macedonia.
At some point in 2004 they recognized the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name. On the other side, Moscow also recognized the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name, they did it among the first countries that recognized the independence of the small Balkan state from ex Yugoslavia. But, the signals that are coming lately from Russia, left impression that Moscow is against the solution of this longtime dispute. Both forces, US and Russia did it on purpose, to serve their own interests, gaining greater influence in the Balkan region and the southeastern Mediterranean.
Their foreign politics have clashed on Turkey, Syria and number of other cases related to controlling the energy in this part of the world.
What are Greece and FYR Macedonia doing, and where are this two countries in the big picture? Do the citizens of the two countries – regardless of the behavior of their governments – protect their interests? What do they do for further development of their relationships?
The difference about the name, for the first time in many years, is likely to be resolved. The state Macedonia, with the geographical adjective, will get the name Northern Macedonia, because, a part of the territory of Macedonia (which is different than the state) is in Greece. With this agreement, Greece will no longer block its neighbor, and Northern Macedonia will become a member of NATO and allegedly, will open the process of negotiations for the membership in the European Union. With this, the country will be able to acquire privileges, to have obligations, together with Greece, and both countries will start to cooperate for the common benefit, the benefit of the Balkan region and especially for the benefit of their citizens.
So, I will say this: If I had the opportunity to vote in the referendum, I would support the Prespa agreement. Because this agreement, which has positive and negative aspects for both countries, leads to the future. The common future of the two peoples, is going in the same direction. And this, perhaps, is the last chance to do it.
Thomas Tsatsis
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