The words “Northern Macedonia” could be the key to solving a longstanding bilateral dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the latter’s official name, according to Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas. 

 “The name ‘Northern Macedonia’ fits with the framework for a settlement, but Skopje will have to meet us halfway,” Mr. Droutsas said, referring to what is rumoured to be the latest proposal by a United Nations mediator appointed to break the deadlock.

The minister said that a rejection of the proposal would not bide well for Skopje’s bid to join the European Union, and added: “Skopje must demonstrate its political will.”