The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov received today the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos.

President Ivanov congratulated on the efforts and the commitment of the Spanish presidency with the European Union concerning the Euro-integration processes of the countries from this region.

President Ivanov, at the meeting, clearly announced the positions of the Republic of Macedonia regarding the problem imposed by Greece on the name issue which is blocking the strategic objectives of the Republic of Macedonia, its integration into the EU and NATO. In this occasion, President Ivanov stressed that despite the impression that is created in the international community, the Republic of Macedonia is a party that seeks for and is prepared for a mutually acceptable solution, because Macedonia is the one that bears the consequences of remaining outside the Euro-Atlantic structures. President Ivanov stressed that if there is a serious and real readiness and political will of our southern neighbor, and if the solution is within the frameworks of the UN resolutions and the international law, a compromise can be reached.

Minister Moratinos said that he was encouraged by what the Republic of Macedonia and the entire society have made in view of meeting the criteria and standards necessary for integration of the country into the EU. Minister Moratinos added that he was encouraged by the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue and expressed hope that during the Spanish term a date for starting of the negotiations with the EU could be given.