France backs Greece in name dispute with skops

[Angelo]

14 March 2008 Brussels _


French President Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed he backs Greece in the row over Macedonia’s name.


On the margins of the European Union summit, Sarkozy said it was “the right impression” to conclude that that Paris is on Greek side in the “name” dispute.He also confirmed the issue is always raised during various meetings with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.“I always stressed that we support the Greek position in the name issue. Greeks are our friends,” Sarkozy said.“I am confirming to you that we are in solidarity with the position of our Greek friends,” the French president said.




Athens objects Skopje’s use of its constitutional name, “Republic of Macedonia” saying it implies Skopje's territorial claims over Greece's own northern province of Macedonia.
Greece has vowed to veto FYROM’s bid to join NATO at the alliance’s Bucharest Summit at the beginning of April if a solution is not found.
Meanwhile, the European Commission expressed its worry that FYROM's’s government crisis might affect the pace of EU reforms in the country.

[Angelo]

France Backs Greece In Macedonia Row
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Digg this 14 March 2008 Brussels _ French President Nicolas Sarkozy has confirmed he backs Greece in the row over Macedonia’s name.

On the margins of the European Union summit, Sarkozy said it was “the right impression” to conclude that that Paris is on Greek side in the “name” dispute.

He also confirmed the issue is always raised during various meetings with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

“I always stressed that we support the Greek position in the name issue. Greeks are our friends,” Sarkozy said.

“I am confirming to you that we are in solidarity with the position of our Greek friends,” the French president said.

Athens objects Skopje’s use of its constitutional name, “Republic of Macedonia” saying it implies Skopje's territorial claims over Greece's own northern province of Macedonia.

Greece has vowed to veto Macedonia’s bid to join NATO at the alliance’s Bucharest Summit at the beginning of April if a solution is not found.

Meanwhile, the European Commission expressed its worry that Macedonia’s government crisis might affect the pace of EU reforms in the country.

Late on Thursday, the Democratic Party of Albanians, the key partner in the centre-right government coalition lead by VMRO DPMNE, confirmed that it is withdrawing from the government.

“We expect the government to remain focused on the EU reform process. We believe that this is a moment when all parties need to put aside party interests, and work in a spirit of consensus and engage in continued dialogue in order to ensure success in reform processes,” said Krisztina Nagy, spokeswoman for the EU’s Enlargement Commissioner, Olli Rehn.



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[Napalm]

Mes amisFrancais, VIVE LA FRANCE!!!!!

[Prokomenos]

I had heard rumours when Sarkozy first got elected that he was a Greek supporter. I guess its true but I wonder what France wants in return?

[Apollyon]

Originally Posted by Prokomenos
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I had heard rumours when Sarkozy first got elected that he was a Greek supporter. I guess its true but I wonder what France wants in return?

I dont trust Sarkozy....he is not french ...he is.....

[Ellinas]

France backs Greece but does Greece backs her self? I am referring to the government. Unfortunately things are in a way that decisive action by our government is needed to end this story. Any other initiatives by people or by governments of other countries are going to change something.

[Prokomenos]

You raise a good point Ellinas. I guess only time will tell what will happen but having a big power as an ally in this situation will do good for Greece. Now if only Russia or China support Greece aswell then the tables might finaly start to turn for Greece.

[Napalm]

Originally Posted by Ellinas
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France backs Greece but does Greece backs her self? I am referring to the government. Unfortunately things are in a way that decisive action by our government is needed to end this story. Any other initiatives by people or by governments of other countries are going to change something.

Excellent way of putting it. Some say Greece's inaction has helped Skops alot. Now that 15 years have passed, pretty much every citizen of FYROM under the age of 20 would have grown up believing their falsehoods. Even if the problem was fixed today, all those people will still continue with their propaganda because they would of grown up believing it. Much the same way North Koreans believe Kim Jung IL is a god because they were born and raised it.

[Angelo]

Originally Posted by Prokomenos
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I had heard rumours when Sarkozy first got elected that he was a Greek supporter. I guess its true but I wonder what France wants in return?

In return France wants Greece to purchase their new jet fighter the Rafale.

Time will tell if i was right.

[Prokomenos]

We will see I dont trust any big power..