Republic of Macedonia President Attempts to Block Name Deal
- Parliament may overturn Ivanov’s veto as early as next week
- EU’s Hahn says Skopje, Tirana may start entry talks in 2019
Photographer: Thierry Charlier/AFP via Getty Images
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The Republic of Macedonia’s president rejected an agreement with Greece on the nation’s new name in what could prove to be a temporary hurdle in the ex-Yugoslav nation’s NATO and European Union accession plans. The EU said membership talks may start next year.
The veto by opposition-backed President Gjorge Ivanov, who said on Tuesday he wouldn’t sign the accord, may be overturned in parliament as early as next week. The legislature’s approval to call the country the Republic of North Macedonia is crucial for Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to proceed with a plan to hold a referendum this fall.