 UN court urges against Greece in Macedonia dispute December 5, 2011 - 20:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greece was in the wrong when it blocked Macedonia's admission to NATO because of a dispute over the former Yugoslav republic's name, the UN's highest court ruled Monday. The 2008 action violated a provisional agreement reached in 1995 to end the long-running row, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled, saying Athens had "breached its obligation." Macedonia lodged a complaint before the ICJ shortly after NATO was forced to turn it down for membership because of Greece's objection. In 2009, Greece prevented the EU from starting accession talks with Skopje, an official candidate since 2005, despite recommendations from the European Commission. Greece alleges that use of the name Macedonia suggests a territorial claim to the northern Greek province of the same name, while Skopje maintains that changing the name would be a denial of its own national identity and language. Macedonia was admitted to the United Nations in 1993 under the provisional name of the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.” More than 120 countries, including Russia and the United States, however, have recognised the Balkan country under the name of "Republic of Macedonia." Skopje had asked the ICJ to order Greece to stop objecting to its membership in "any other international, multilateral and regional organisations and institutions." The court however ruled out making such an order, saying it did not consider it necessary. Macedonia struck a conciliatory tone as it hailed the ruling. Athens said for its part that it was "reviewing" the ruling, but insisted that it did not directly address the long-running diplomatic wrangle with Skopje over Macedonia's official name, which Athens says it remains committed to resolving through UN-supervised talks. "With full respect for the ICJ as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, Greece is reviewing the decision," the ministry said. "Greece will continue to pursue negotiations in good faith to reach a mutually acceptable solution," it said, AFP reported.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
