Agamemnon
2008-04-14 16:06:46 UTC
Greece focuses on "New Macedonia"
Athens /14/04/ 13:52
As Athens and Skopje brace for a fresh round of UN-mediated talks on the
name dispute, the Greek government now prefers the composite name New
Macedonia rather than Upper Macedonia, which it had favored for its
geographical dimension.
According to Greek daily Kathimerini, the abrupt change of tune in Athens
has been prompted by a report from eminent Greek academics citing extracts
from the writings of ancient scholars Herodotus and Thucydides - and from
the speeches of ancient warrior Alexander the Great - which refer to Upper
Macedonia.
The Upper Macedonia mentioned in these texts corresponds to four Greek
prefectures, the report says, and so could fuel irredentism, Kathimerini
daily said.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis did not mention any shift in strategy on
the Macedonia name issue on Saturday during a speech before New Democracy's
central committee. However he did reiterate his appeal to the authorities in
Skopje to return to the negotiating table.
The latest opinion poll shows that vast majority of Greeks remain
steadfastly opposed to a composite name for the neighboring country - "New"
or "Upper Macedonia". They insist that the name of neighboring country does
not contain the word Macedonia.
Athens /14/04/ 13:52
As Athens and Skopje brace for a fresh round of UN-mediated talks on the
name dispute, the Greek government now prefers the composite name New
Macedonia rather than Upper Macedonia, which it had favored for its
geographical dimension.
According to Greek daily Kathimerini, the abrupt change of tune in Athens
has been prompted by a report from eminent Greek academics citing extracts
from the writings of ancient scholars Herodotus and Thucydides - and from
the speeches of ancient warrior Alexander the Great - which refer to Upper
Macedonia.
The Upper Macedonia mentioned in these texts corresponds to four Greek
prefectures, the report says, and so could fuel irredentism, Kathimerini
daily said.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis did not mention any shift in strategy on
the Macedonia name issue on Saturday during a speech before New Democracy's
central committee. However he did reiterate his appeal to the authorities in
Skopje to return to the negotiating table.
The latest opinion poll shows that vast majority of Greeks remain
steadfastly opposed to a composite name for the neighboring country - "New"
or "Upper Macedonia". They insist that the name of neighboring country does
not contain the word Macedonia.
