Council of Europe Welcomes Skopje-Athens Name Deal

The Council of Europe welcomes the name agreement between Skopje and Athens, describing it as historic. At Wednesday’s press-conference in Skopje, Lise Christoffersen, who is part of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly delegation’s visit to the Macedonian capital, said the hope was that the deal would be ratified. She also welcomed the two countries’ good faith and courageous steps. “The President of PACE and the Sec Gen welcomed the name agreement,” Christoffersen added. According to her, the name and identity matters covered by the agreement that encouraged for decades fierce and emotional reactions remain sensitive issues for parts of society. Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly representatives are expected to observe the name referendum.