North Macedonia FM claims use of ‘Macedonia’ allowed under Prespa deal

The use of the term "Macedonia" by North Macedonia's new government "does not constitute a violation of the Prespa Agreement," North Macedonia's foreign minister has said.

In an interview with Voice of America, Timco Mucunski said that, in the agreement, "Article 7 clearly states that both parties may use both the term 'Macedonia' and the term 'Macedonian'," explaining that these terms have different meanings for each signatory to the agreement.

He also stated that the use of this term is not an attempt to introduce a "double name" inside the country.

"The fact that the prime minister states that he will use the term 'Macedonia' in public speeches within the country does not constitute a violation of the agreement. This is our interpretation of the agreement," he said.