Greece, Cyprus walk out of U.S. conference due to use of Macedonia name

[Angelo]

Greece, Cyprus walk out of U.S. conference due to use of Macedonia name Print






Greek and Cypriot delegations walked out of Wednesday's U.S. conference on prevention of spreading weapons of mass destruction in Washington, because the hosts used name Republic of Macedonia, report Greek media.

Greece's ambassador to Washington and former head of the country's Liaison Office to Skopje, Alexandros Malias was the first to abandon the gathering, followed by Cypriot representatives in sign of solidarity.

The U.S. State Department said in a press release that it designated the participant-countries by the official names under which the USA has recognized them. Moreover, it added that Washington has officially used name Republic of Macedonia since November 2004.

Greek media call upon diplomatic sources in Athens, who comment this is a serious diplomatic gaffe by the USA, at a time when efforts are being invested to find a mutually acceptable solution in the name dispute. ik/fd/12:07

May 29, 2008

[Napalm]

Good, let them know we're more serious now.