Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-08-25

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Kotzias, Poposki work on CBMs during meeting in Skopje

[01] Kotzias, Poposki work on CBMs during meeting in Skopje

"Greece and FYROM ought to live together in peace, cooperation and prosperity. If and when the name issue is resolved and all types of irredentism are defeated, the two countries will march along the EU road. Greece will become the supporter and facilitator of such a course," Kotzias said.

"We want to believe that irredentism will be overcome as, in our opinion, doesn't help anywhere and is not supported by historical or current realities."

The minister attended the summit following an invitation of Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki. Following their meeting, Kotzias and Poposki said that the confidence-building measures (CBMs) have boosted bilateral relations.

Both ministers clarified that CBMs are in no way connected to the name issue, but noted that they contribute significantly in improving relations and creating a sense of mutual trust.

Kotzias said the two ministers also discussed the construction of an oil pipeline first, and a gas pipeline at a later stage, which would connect Thessaloniki's port with Skopje and stressed the importance of upgrading the railway line between Florina and Bitola.

The two officials agreed to cooperate more closely in economy and funding and find ways to take on joint projects with EU funding.

On his side, Poposki noted the need to open a new border crossing apart from the two in Gevgelija and Florina.

Concerning the name issue, he said: "We have our differences, which are known, but we have to work in a framework that will change the two countries' approach." Poposki added his country inclusion to the EU and NATO is still far because of the name dispute noting that he wants to develop bilateral relations.

He said society in his country wants to feel Greece as a partner and not as a country that doesn't want FYROM to exist, as it believes today: "We want to chart our future in cooperation with our neighbours. We want to choose our destiny and not to wait with folded hands," he said.

Kotzias also met with FYROM Prime Minister Emil Dimitriev.

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