Macedonia’s President attempts to block name deal

Bloomberg

Republic of Macedonia’s president rejected an agreement with Greece on the nation’s new name, a move that may be only a temporary hurdle in the ex-Yugoslav nation’s NATO and EU accession plans.
The veto by opposition-backed President Gjorge Ivanov, who said on Tuesday he won’t sign the accord, is expected to be overturned in parliament as early as next week. The legislature’s approval to call the country the Republic of North Macedonia is crucial for Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to proceed with a plan to hold a referendum this fall.
“The agreement puts the
Republic of Macedonia in subordination of and dependence on another state,” Ivanov said.
The constitutional amendment is needed for Greece to stop blocking its neighbour’s aspirations of joining the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Zaev expects to get a starting date for EU accession talks this week and an invitation to join NATO in July.
He has threatened to find ways to impeach Ivanov over his rejection of the deal that seeks to resolve a 27-year dispute with Greece.