American University in Bulgaria

The Name Dispute between the Republic of Macedonia and Greece: Obstacles for Resolution

Zhikica PagovskiSupervisor: Dr. Zankina

NAME DISPUTE?!

“The name dispute between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia

exists twenty years revolves around the “perspectives on the history of

the region [of Macedonia] and challenges which both nations

perceive to their respective identities.”

HISTORICAL REVIEW

Before 1991

Kingdom of Macedonia, Roman Province of Macedonia, Barbarians, Slavic Invasion, Byzantine Kingdom, Bulgarian Kingdom, Serbian Kingdom, Ottoman Empire, Greece & Bulgaria & Serbia,

SCS, Yugoslavia

Socialist Republic of Macedonia

HISTORICAL REVIEW

1991- Macedonian Independence and Constitution

1993 - UN Accession

1994- Economic Embargo

1995 – Interim Accord between the Republic of Macedonia and Greece

1996- 2006 The Status Quo Decade: 130 Countries recognized the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name

2006-2007 Negotiations in progress

2007-2010 Negotiations on hold

METHODOLOGY

Case Study: Case Study Approach

Time Frame: 1993 – Today

Theory: The Two-Level Game Theory by Puntam

Variables:

o Dependent:

Macedonian and Greek governmental positions toward the name problem.

o Independent:

1. Historical Interpretation (Macedonia)

2. Incumbent Parties

3. Public Opinion

4. International Influence

METHODOLOGY

Proposal Proposed by/proposal nature

Macedonian governmental position

Greek governmental position

International PositionPublic Opinion

Points of agreement &Points of Disagreement

5. Republika Makedonija-Skopje

Date: 8 April 2005By: Special UN Envoy NimitzRepublika MAkedonija – Skopje for official purposes (forums, IR). Third countries choose their name!

Intensified Efforts for resolution UN News

Not good, double formula better Rejected the proposal and stick to the double formula. (SET)Crvenkovski rejected the proposal too!Ahmeti:They accept the constitutional name of the country. DPA to change the name according to the Framework Agreement.Referendum

Karolos Papulas, the Greek president said that it is a good basis of negotiation.Breaking the double formula! Macedonia recognized by USA. Strong position!

US support the negotiation under the UNNot US pressure to accept the proposal (katamerini from 6.)

Points of Agreement: -good neighbourhood relations Points of Disagreement:Macedonia: -Republika Makedonija-Skopje for bilateral communication with Greece - The constitutional name for the outside world

OBSTCLES

Rigid Official Positions of the Governments

-changes and reasons

-reluctance and role of the public

-official positions as framework for negotiations

Strong Public opinions

-great percentage (nationalism and treat to identity)

-public mobilization

-a promise of referendum for ratification

Inefficiency of the International Efforts

-concerned about a resolution regardless of the outcome

-wrong focus: elites instead of public opinion

The Pain of the Time Process

-works against both countries

-deepening the gap

-fragmentation of the negotiations

Negotiation Setup

-indirect

-inactive

-without timeframe

-trading and trade offs

No agreement on any significant point in the negotiation process

Positive outcome of the negotiation process just with a change of a governmental position

Governmental positions change due to political/security crisis situation

Crisis Situation perception of the elites and especially the public in both countries required to come to flexible governmental position and willingness to negotiate

CONCLUSIONS

Direct Negotiations of the both government

Quick resolution of the process

Unification of political elites and defining the governmental position and the fields of flexibility

Special attention of the international environment and the domestic elites toward the public detention of nationalistic feeling. Emphasis of the importance of the resolution of the issue

Recommendations

Questions!?