FYROM sees hope for end to name dispute with Greece

The deputy prime minister of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) expressed optimism on Thursday over renewed efforts to resolve a decades-long dispute with neighboring Greece over the Balkan country's name that has kept it out of NATO.

Bujar Osmani, FYROM's deputy prime minister in charge of European integration, told AP that both countries were committed to finding an "acceptable solution" to the 25-year disagreement.

Greece says its northern neighbor's name implies a territorial claim to its own adjoining province of Macedonia - home of Alexander the Great, one of the most famous ancient Greek rulers.

A NATO member, Greece has blocked FYROM's bid to join the alliance because of the name dispute. Athens is also angry at FYROM's appropriation of ancient Macedonian history.

"I feel there is a general feeling of fatigue in both countries...