Press release on Macedonia - common statement on the ICJ findings
Greece breached its legal obligation when vetoed Macedonia in joining NATO in 2008
Decision of the International Court of Justice: Greece breached its legal obligation when it vetoed Macedonia in joining NATO in 2008. During the Bucharest Summit in 2008, Macedonia's application was objected by the NATO Member State Greece. Macedonia turned to International Court of Justice as in their opinion the veto violated the bilateral Interim Agreement signed by the two countries in 1995. Since 2009, Greece continued to violate international law by invoking its veto against Macedonia in relation to the negotiations with the European Union.
"I welcome the decision of the Court and the upholding of the Interim Agreement between Greece and Macedonia. It shows that Greece was not right to veto the opening of the accession negotiations of Macedonia. The Council should immediately follow the recommendation of the European Commission and give Macedonia a starting date for its accession negotiations. I expect that Greece shall honour its commitment derived from the international law," commented Monica Macovei MEP, former Justice Minister of Romania.
"The two states have the unique opportunity to sit together and forget about the past and solve the "name issue". The Court's judgement cleared the atmosphere and signalled that the negotiations could start regardless the ongoing dispute, so the leadership of the country can move on with the European agenda. It is necessary that both countries, FYR Macedonia and Greece, agree on a mutually acceptable solution," said Eduard Kukan MEP, the Co-Chair of the EP delegation to the South East Europe and former Foreign Minister of Slovakia.
"I truly welcome this decision. It is important, not only to focus on the past but to look forward into our common future in Europe. I appeal on Greece to break its isolation in Europe and to set a signal of conciliation. It is now the time for the new governments in Athens and Skopje to come together for an immediate round table in Brussels, headed by the EU Commission, namely Commissioner Stefan Füle." said Martin Kastler MEP, EPP-Member of the EP Joint Parliamentary Delegation to FYR Macedonia.
For more information:
Eduard Kukan MEP, tel.: +3222845216
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