Brussels and the European Commission reportedly urge the Greek government to have any agreement between Greece and FYROM on the Macedonia name dispute will pass with not just a parliamentary majority of 150+1 but with a enhanced majority of 180 votes. According to an exclusive report of SYRIZA-affiliated daily Avgi, Brussels allegedly want the broader majority due to “fears of the irresponsible attitude of opposition parties.”
Brussels is closely following the negotiations between Athens and Skopje as a Macedonia name solution will open the doors for FYROM’s accession to NATO and the European Union.
This plan is part of a wider strategy of Brussels and Washington to halt the Russian influence in the Balkans.
Both in Athens and Skopje, there is full understanding that negotiations are not only about the two neighboring countries and the two governments , but the “Macedonia” issue is a big and important piece in a wider geopolitical puzzle in the Balkans.
In this sense, opposition parties in both countries are important.
“It seems that no one in Brussels is convinced that even if Athens and Skopje would agree tomorrow, this will be an agreement with future and perspective, a lasting and stable agreement approved by wider political and parliamentary legitimacy.
The need to have the agreement approved in Greek Parliament with 180 votes is allegedly been supported by EC President Jean-Claude Juncker and EU High Representative High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.
The Greek government has received well-meant suggestions and advises to have the [future] Macedonia agreement approved by 180 votes. This proposal has be made at highest levels of the Greek government, Avgi notes among others..
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaef are to meet in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, on upcoming Thursday, May 17th. This was announced by UN Special Envoy for Macedonia name issue, Mathew Nimetz after a 6-hour meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Athens on Saturday.
PS I don’t know how the government will make the 180 votes a precondition for the MAcadonia agreement, but I’m curious to know what the EU will do if the agreement passes with just 153 votes. In addition, 180 votes makes little sense as it does not de facto includes the vote of main opposition party New Democracy.
I propose, Brussels proposes a legitimization of at least 250 or even better 300.
Are we serious?
