Macedonia’s presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is going to test Greece’s readiness to agree to the use of the word “Macedonian” in international organizations, say the Macedonian representatives to the Council of Europe. In their view, the bodies of the Council of Europe have criticized Greece harshly on several occasions so far about its attitude to Macedonia and therefore they expect support with regard to issues concerning Macedonia.

“This opportunity is afforded once in 23 years and it should be taken to lobby for a better position among the member states of Europe’s oldest organization,” the representatives say.

What is important is that during the 6-month presidency that begins on 11 May, Macedonia will have to organize a few conferences of ministers and heads of government at which Macedonia’s positions could be stated with respect to all issues. Representative Aleksandar Nikolovski, the head of the Macedonian delegation to the Council of Europe, believes that the presidency will be a good opportunity to promote the country on the international stage.

“For the first time Macedonia gets to chair an international organization as a full-fledged member. It has not yet been decided how our presidency is going to be named, but we are fighting for ‘Macedonian presidency’,” Nikolovski says.