Macedonia starts process of renaming

Macedonia’s parliament has voted to start the process of renaming the country North Macedonia, a major step towards ending a decades-long stalemate with Greece and opening a door to NATO and the EU.

A two third majority of 80 deputies required to make changes in the constitution in the 120-seat parliament voted in favour of renaming the Balkan country Republic of North Macedonia.

The move could unblock the country’s bid to join NATO and the European Union, long blocked by Greece, which argues that “Macedonia” implied territorial claims to a Greek province of the same name.

The two countries reached agreement on the name change in June. But hurdles remain before the change can be formalised.

A referendum on the agreement few weeks ago failed to pass the turnout threshold of 50 percent, leaving it up to the Skopje parliament to settle the issue.

The procedure to complete constitutional changes is lengthy and requires several rounds of voting, with Friday’s being just the first stage. The procedure should be completed by January at the latest.

The Prime Minister Zoran Zaev while addressing the media said today is a historic day for the country. He also said that “Macedonia will be part of the European family our dreams and visions for better life in a better country will be fulfilled.”

Once Macedonia formally changes the constitution, the Greek parliament will also have to vote on the deal.

Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, who heads a small right-wing party that props up the government in the legislature, has threatened to quit the coalition if the Greek vote goes ahead.

Russia and the US have traded allegations of interfering in Macedonia’s affairs.

Last month Washington accused Moscow of running a disinformation campaign to sour the public on the deal ahead of a referendum on the changes.

Russia, which opposes Macedonia’s NATO aspirations, on Thursday fired back.

Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that “There is a continuation of the crudest interference of the US and EU in Skopje’s internal affairs, the level of which has already surpassed conceivable boundaries”.