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Macedonia: procedure to ratify agreement on name

Row in parliament. Opposition leaves session

19 June, 14:58
(ANSA) - SKOPJE - The procedure to ratify the agreement with Greece on the change of name of the former Yugoslav country in the 'Republic of North Macedonia' began in the Macedonian parliament on Tuesday.

The agreement, strongly opposed by the conservative and nationalist opposition, was signed by representatives of the governments in Skopje and Athens at a ceremony on the border between the two countries on Sunday. Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, describing the process in parliament, proposed to follow the shortened procedure for the debate so as to ensure that ratification takes place by next week's European summit, which should let Macedonia know the starting date of the negotiation over EU membership. The Foreign Affairs Committee are expected to express their view on the shortened procedure. Conservative MPs from the Vmro-Dpmne party have accused the government of 'betrayal', since it 'succumbed' to Greece's demands, thus acting against the interests of Skopje. Subsequently, opposition MPs left the session. Outside parliament a crowd has gathered, made up of people who are hostile to the agreement with Greece. (ANSA).

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