Greek lawmakers have ratified a deal with Macedonia ending a nearly three-decade-long dispute between the neighbors in which the Balkan country will be r
Greek lawmakers have ratified a deal with Macedonia, ending a nearly three-decade-long dispute between the neighbors in which the Balkan country will be renamed North Macedonia.
Greece’s parliament narrowly passed the agreement, 153-146, on Friday. The deal normalizes relations between the two countries and paves the way for Macedonia to join NATO and the European Union.
U. S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo welcomed the ratification and praised the Greek government for its ‘vision, courage and persistence’ in pushing ahead with the historic agreement.
Top EU officials also hailed the deal. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said the vote took ‘political courage’ while European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted, ‘Mission impossible accomplished.’
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he looked ‘forward to the future Republic of North Macedonia joining NATO.
