Skopje, February 2nd
Finland supports the European Union enlargement process and Macedonia's accession talks date, as well as the idea of increased Union involvement in the settlement of the Macedonia-Greece name dispute, said Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb after Tuesday's meeting with Macedonian counterpart Antonio Milososki.
"The sooner talks with Macedonia begin the better for everyone. This will not be an easy path and I will not give any dates today, but the name row must be solved as soon as possible. Macedonia's role in the region is very important. The country is one of the most neutral players in the Western Balkans and as a result has few disputes", added the Finnish FM.
Pertaining to EU's involvement in the name issue, Stubb voiced his support for this, hoping that a date for beginning of EU accession negotiations would be given in March or April.
"I believe that we should launch more serious talks for the purpose of solving these disputes", he added.
Asked if Finland offered mediation in the name row at today's meeting, FM Stubb said this was not the case, but what they could offer is encouragement to the process.
"When I refer to the EU, I always say we, because this is a Union of values of 27 member-states. Many issues have been settled in the EU, preceded by crises, since the Union seems like a crisis management organization. I suppose that the name dispute requires the involvement of large member-states, such as Germany, France and Great Britain, including EU President Herman Van Rompuy, who should all talk with Greek PM Papandreou. I believe there will be no major developments leading up to the March presidential elections in Greece. However, I hope that the 'train' will start moving afterwards, resulting in a solution by April", stressed Stubb.
FM Milososki briefed his Finnish colleague on Macedonia's positions in the dispute, adding that Greek authorities lacked credible actions to confirm the declarations for the row's settlement.
"Actions should replace rhetoric, which the Greek government uses quite well. When important decisions should be passed at a European level, unfortunately Greece lacks credible actions, which would lead us to believe that the process has a perspective for progress and positive settlement", said Milososki.
He reiterated Macedonia is ready for a compromise solution not touching upon national dignity, identity and language, as well as the sovereign right of Macedonian citizens to have a say on the agreed name.
"We will talk to Greece. We already have an open dialogue and we can meet half-way if there is interest from both sides", stressed Milososki.
He thanked Finland for its support to Macedonia's integration and supported the country's application for non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
FM Stubb, whose regional tour also includes Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo and Croatia, is scheduled to meet later today with President George Ivanov.
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