SKOPJE
United Nations' (UN) mediator Matthew Nimitz has arrived in the Macedonian capital of Skopje on Friday in order to solve the name problem between Macedonia and Greece.
After meeting the Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, Nimitz met with President Gjorge Ivanov and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski on Friday.
Prior to his arrival in Skopje, Nimitz was in Athens and met with senior Greek officials there.
In a statement made in Athens, Nimitz had indicated that Greece was willing to solve the name problem with Macedonia.
While more than 130 countries recognize Macedonia with the name "Macedonia", Greece refuses recognition of that name since it has a region called "Macedonia" within the country. Greece wants Macedonia to change its name.
The name problem is a matter of concern for Macedonia since the country declared independence in 1991 as Greece vetoes Macedonia in many international organizations.
Macedonia could become an UN member with the name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". Macedonia's NATO membership could not be realized due to Athens's veto.
Writing by Emre Solak
