We hope for and expect consistent compliance with the Prespa Agreement, which is also one of the criteria in terms of North Macedonia’s EU accession process, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexandros Papaioannou told Thursday’s press briefing.
Asked about VMRO-DPMNE’s demand not to include the adjective “North” in the ID’s, Papaioannou said he wouldn’t comment on “what the opposition in North Macedonia says.”
“I’d like to reiterate what Dendias said during Osmani’s visit to Athens. We hope for and expect consistent compliance with the Prespa Agreement, which is also one of the criteria in terms of North Macedonia’s EU accession process and the start of EU talks. I wouldn’t comment on what VMRO says in the specific case,” said the Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
As regards the three memoranda with North Macedonia, submitted to the Greek Parliament since mid-September and yet to be ratified, Papaioannou briefly said there were no new developments and “vote will take place at some point.
Speaking at Thursday’s press briefing, Papaioannou also mentioned the Philia Forum which was held last week in Athens bringing together the foreign ministers of Greece, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and France, adding that the forum is also open for other countries.
Answering MIA’s question on whether Balkan countries could also be included in the future, Papaioannou said the format was an open one in general, and there was no discussion on specific countries.
“Of course, Greece hopes and expects to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with Western Balkan countries and there are many such forums in which Greece takes part. In this regard, I’d like to mention that Greece is taking over the rotating presidency of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) on July 1, 2021. Through these initiatives, Greece seeks to strengthen its role as a bridge of cooperation,” Papaioannou said.
