The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in anticipation of the upcoming round of talks with Ambassador Matthew Nimetz, convened today a coordination meeting of top state officials regarding the course of the UN-mediated talks.

The coordination meeting was attended by the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Trajko Veljanoski, the President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, the Vice Prime Minister, Musa Xhaferi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Popovski.

The Republic of Macedonia will continue to fully and committedly respect the framework in which negotiations with Greece are led on the name issue under UN auspices. Our interest is to find, as soon as possible, a mutually acceptable solution that would unblock our Euro-Atlantic integrations. The Republic of Macedonia, as before, will actively and constructively participate in the process, and, as a party that participates in the talks with a serious approach, expects and hopes for the same activity, strictness and constructiveness of the other side.

Republic of Macedonia’s state leadership expressed hope that the observance and effective implementation of the Interim Accord will contribute in creating a more positive climate for finding a solution in the UN-mediated process.

The Republic of Macedonia expects Greece to support our integration in international organizations and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia in accordance with the Interim Accord and the judgment of the International Court of Justice which are a vital part of the Macedonian approach to the settlement of this issue in accordance with the international law.

Republic of Macedonia’s top officials, in the spirit of understanding and mutual respect, call again for constructive conduct before the upcoming round of talks and extend hand of friendship and good neighborliness to Greece.

State leadership, considering the recent events on the Greek side, fears from stagnation of substantive talks. However, once again, readiness and openness is expressed to seriously intensify talks aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution.