Regarding the recent announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece concerning the talks on the name difference taking place under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Macedonia, denies that declared Greek position in talks to find a solution which consists of a name for general use (erga omnes) is based on existing and applicable international law and that the use of the constitutional name of Macedonia in these contexts in announcements means violated international law.
In this regard, the Ministry refers to Resolution 817 (1993) of the Security Council of the UN noting a difference in terms of the country's name to be overcome in the interest of maintenance of peaceful and good neighborly relations in the region and provides a way how temporary will be called Republic of Macedonia within the United Nations.
Ministry further points out the legal interpretation of the Resolution contained in the judgment of the International Court of Justice of 5 December 2011. Consequently, the mentioned practice to use the constitutional name of Macedonia, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and a speech to the Republic of Macedonia by states , in no way is a violation of international law, -the statement of the Foreign Ministry.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that the International Court of Justice in the above judgment clearly stated that Greece is the one that does not respect the international law by violating its obligations under Article 11, paragraph 1 of the Interim Accord of 1995 not to interfere the reception of the Republic of Macedonia in international organizations and institutions.
Republic of Macedonia will continue in the spirit of good neighborliness to participate actively and in good faith in talks with Greece within the process under the auspices of the United Nations, so as soon as possible to find a solution to the difference that would be in accordance with the principles and norms of the international law.
On the other hand, the statement said, the public declaration of unrelenting, political red lines and negotiating positions usually do not reflect the existence of goodwill and readiness for democratic dialogue and opposing arguments in order to find a solution and only indicates how the issue remains determined by certain internal political and democratic shortcomings in Greece.
