The talks between Macedonia and Greece concern only the name in the English language in diplomatic communication, said mediator Matthew Nimetz in an interview with Kanal 5. He denied the allegations of the Greek paper Kathimerini, which reported in its English edition that according to Nimetz Prime Ministers Georgievski and Simitis were closest to a solution with the name of Upper Macedonia.

As for whether Greece and Macedonia are ready for the final step of resolving the name issue after 18 years of strenuous talks, mediator Nimetz says he never makes guesses but would say this is a good moment for making special effort to resolve the name issue.

“The whole world wants to see this issue resolved. It would be good for the entire region and for Europe, particularly in these difficult times in other fields. Both countries have experienced leaders, new governments and new cabinets. Also, there are friendly relations between the two prime ministers and they can talk directly and honestly and that is a great plus. So I believe now is the time to make effort to solve the problem,” Nimetz said.