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George Tsunis warns Skopje: Non-compliance with the agreements creates very problematic situations

Featured George Tsunis warns Skopje: Non-compliance with the agreements creates very problematic situations

The US ambassador in Athens, George Tsunis, asks the new leadership of North Macedonia to observe the Prespa Agreement in order to avoid tensions.

In particular, in an interview he granted to ERTNEWS and which will be broadcast tonight, Friday at 10 pm, Mr. Tsunis, in addition to the Prespa Agreement, talks about the future of defense cooperation between Athens and Washington, the role of NATO in our region and the perspective of the Greek-Turkish dialogue.

 What George Tsunis said about North Macedonia
"An issue of major importance for Greeks, especially for those living in northern Greece, is that of North Macedonia. Surely you are aware of the violation of the Prespa Agreement by members of the new government in North Macedonia. Is there a way for NATO to bring the new government into compliance with the Prespa Agreement?' the ERT journalist asked him and Mr. Tsunis replied: "I don't want to be harsh, as it is a new government. But it would be wrong for them to do something that would jeopardize the Prespa Agreement.

It was a hard-won agreement, it was historic and must be respected. I am surprised that the new government of North Macedonia does not refer to North Macedonia by its constitutional name. I think we are all surprised, but we are all trying, respectfully, to urge them to refer to their country by its constitutional name. Moreover, adherence to international agreements is the backbone of diplomacy. Failure to comply with them creates very problematic situations."

"International agreements between states are the very backbone of diplomacy"
Asked if he thinks that perhaps North Macedonia is endangering its European path with this attitude, Mr. Tsunis emphasized: "I am not speaking on behalf of Europe, but I would repeat what my government has said, namely that we have done serious recommendation to our friends in North Macedonia to refer to their country by its constitutional name. The Agreement is in force and must be respected, because international agreements between states are the very backbone of diplomacy. Failure to comply with them would lead to unnecessary tensions. It's something that can be avoided."