Resolution of Macedonia dispute closer as MEPs back SP proposal
Resolution of Macedonia dispute closer as MEPs back SP proposal
The European Parliament today voted by a large majority to back SP Euro-MP Erik Meijer's report on Macedonia. Meijer acts as the European Parliament's rapporteur on the country, which has ambitions to join the EU. But a dispute with neighbours Greece over the former Yugoslav republic's name has to date prevented the application process from progressing.
The northern part of Greece is also known as Macedonia, and the question of the name is sensitive for both parties. The European Parliament voted by 601 to 52 to support Meijer's conclusion that this question of the name must be surmountable. Earlier in the month the SP Euro-MP expressed the hope that in a few months' time the picture will be a lot clearer. “The designation New Macedonia seems in the end to be acceptable to both parties,” he said after meeting the two sides last week for talks, with which he expressed satisfaction.
Meijer has been asked by countless media outlets why a member of the SP has become involved in this issue. His answer is that while it may have 'no direct interest for the Netherlands, it is nevertheless necessary for us to concern ourselves with it. I was not chosen, in 2004, for the rapporteurship on Macedonia's application for EU membership by chance. I have been involved with the Balkans for a long time, and with the search for peaceful solutions to war and ethnic cleansing. I find it of the greatest interest to all of us that we do everything we can to prevent war.
“You have to remember that they've been talking about this matter at UN level in New York for some seventeen years. Seventeen years! In the last few weeks it seems that these negotiations have moved to the SP's offices in Brussels. I've had contacts at a high level from both countries. The Macedonians are determined to keep their own name, but it has become ever more obvious that they are even keener on joining the EU. Without a compromise the Greeks will continue to oppose such membership. I'm pleased if we have been able to prevent the two countries from tearing each other's hair out. Talking is always better than grabbing a gun. I think they will come to a solution before the end of this year. If not, there'll be years more strife and Macedonia won't become a member of the EU.”
Meijer will shortly return to the area to continue his work as rapporteur. “It's good that as a member of the SP I have been able to contribute to a peaceful resolution of this dispute in the former Yugoslavia,” he noted. “I will now be able to do this backed by the overwhelming support of the European Parliament.”