Macedonian MPs to Vote on NATO Protocol

Another vehement political debate is expected in Parliament on Friday ahead of a vote on the so-called accession protocol for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to join NATO under the new name North Macedonia, Kathimerini reported.

Political tensions have risen following the decision by six MPs - four independents and two Independent Greeks (ANEL) lawmakers - to align themselves with SYRIZA in forthcoming votes and amid opposition questions about the content of talks between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Rhetoric is expected to peak again this evening in the House though the protocol is widely expected to pass with the backing of the above six MPs and some opposition lawmakers.

The protocol was approved on Thursday following a debate at the committee level during which ANEL leader Panos Kammenos, who quit the government last month, said he will insist on an enhanced majority of 180 votes in the 300-seat House for the protocol which, he said, cedes Greek sovereign rights.

During the debate that followed Kammenos's proposal, SYRIZA MPs highlighted conservative New Democracy's opposition to the protocol, claiming that it clashed with the party's traditional stance on NATO and the European Union.

ND's shadow foreign minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos rebuffed the accusations, noting that the party "has opposed both friends and allies on occasion" and accusing SYRIZA of seeking approval everywhere. "The protocol is a formal follow-up to the Prespes deal which is harmful for the country," Koumoutsakos said. "That's why we can't vote for it."

Political developments are expected ahead of the vote on Friday. Kammenos on Thursday told ANEL MP Thanasis...