Athens: The Greek parliament on Friday narrowly ratified a landmark deal to rename neighbouring Macedonia, ending one of the world’s longest diplomatic disputes and earning rich praise for the “historic” move. A total of 153 MPs in the 300-seat Greek parliament approved the name Republic of North Macedonia despite widespread public opposition. The change had already been ratified by Macedonian lawmakers on January 11.
Since 1991, Athens has objected to its neighbour being called Macedonia because Greece has a northern province of the same name. In ancient times it was the cradle of Alexander the Great’s empire, a source of intense pride for Greeks.
To make the UN-sponsored agreement final, Greece must now ratify a protocol approving Macedonia’s membership of the Western military alliance Nato. This is expected to take place next month.
“We warmly welcome the next crucial step in the ratification… taken with today’s vote by the Hellenic Parliament,” EU President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a joint statement with foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn.
“Both countries have seized this unique opportunity which sets an example of reconciliation for Europe as a whole and will give a further boost to the European perspective of the region,” the EU officials said.
“Today is a historic day,” Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who forged a close relationship with North Macedonia counterpart Zoran Zaev in drafting the agreement last year, said in a tweet.
“Today we write a new page for the Balkans. The hatred of nationalism, dispute and conflict will be replaced by friendship, peace and cooperation,” Tsipras said on his Twitter page.
European Council President Donald Tusk said the two countries had achieved “mission impossible.”
“Congratulations my friend” Alexis Tsipras, Zaev said on Twitter. “Together with our peoples we reached a historic victory.
“Long live the Prespa Agreement! For eternal peace and progress of the Balkans and in Europe!”
Germany — whose chancellor Angela Merkel had personally expressed gratitude to Tsipras during a recent visit to Athens — also welcomed the news as a “victory for diplomacy.”
Protests have been held in both countries against the agreement — some of them violent — and lawmakers in Greece have reported threats and arson attacks against their homes.
A few dozen protesters gathered outside Greek parliament on Friday.
A poll released by SKAI TV on Thursday night found 62 per cent of respondents oppose the deal, with 27 per cent in favour.
A week earlier, another poll in Proto Thema weekly had found 66 percent in opposition.
Anti-Tsipras daily Ta Nea on Friday said the deal was the result of a “painful compromise” and was full of “pitfalls”.
In addition to normalising relations between the two countries, implementation of the agreement will open the door for Macedonia to join the European Union and Nato, hitherto blocked by Athens’ veto. But in Greece, its neighbour’s name continues to fuel controversy in politics and society, ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
