Solution in the name dispute with North Macedonia: "The Nobel Prize for Tsipras would be appropriate"

For more than 27 years, two European countries - Greece and today's North Macedonia - have fought over a fierce dispute over a name. Only in January did the two parties officially settle the conflict. When the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia declared its independence in 1991, Greece feared territorial claims on the Greek region of Macedonia in the north of the country - and many Greeks saw their image of history endangered.

Macedonia was therefore a part of ancient Hellas and home of Alexander the Great, Slavs had immigrated later in the region and should not raise any claim to the name.

The dispute had serious consequences for Europe: Greece blocked, inter alia, the accession of Macedonia to NATO and the European Union. The Prime Ministers Zoran Zaev in Skopje and Alexis Tsipras in Athens finally concluded the so-called Prespa Agreement: Macedonia renamed itself North Macedonia, but Athens agreed to end all blockades.

SPIEGEL: Mr. Minister, Greece has settled the decades-old name dispute with neighboring North Macedonia. Are you happy?

Giorgos Katrougalos: I believe that every Greek can see how much the international position of Greece has recently been upgraded. We have established ourselves not only as a stable democracy, but also as a state exporting stability. After the Prespa agreement we have so much diplomatic capital as never before.

SPIEGEL: Did you meet with your North Macedonian counterpart Nikola Dimitrow this week - the sign of a new era?

Katrougalos: A bitter dispute that divided our two countries for nearly 30 years has created a relationship in which we look at our problems together. We both want the text and the spirit of the agreement to really be implemented. We also want to build a strategic partnership - between our two countries and in the Balkans in general.

SPIEGEL: Greek Prime Minister Tsipras and Northern Macedonia's Prime Minister Zaev are nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Deservedly?

Katrougalos: That's what the Nobel Foundation decides. But I think Prespa is indeed a groundbreaking agreement - the Nobel Peace Prize would be a fitting tribute.

SPIEGEL: NATO's accession to northern Macedonia is imminent. What are the other concrete effects of the agreement?

Katrougalos: The Balkans was considered a region of instability, as a possible powder keg of Europe. Now there is the opposite trend: a trend towards stability and cooperation. This is positive for both the region and Greece. Our goal is to promote a single economic area in our region, a large market of almost 50 million people.

SPIEGEL: Many Greeks worry now that Alexander the Great and ancient Macedonia are no longer seen as Hellenic. A popular example: British quiz shows have once asked the question: "What was the nationality of Alexander the Great?", The answer "Greek" was wrong.

Katrougalos: Nobody believes that Alexander the Great was a Slav. There are always mistakes. I remember the Hollywood blockbuster about Alexander: When he joined the battle, he yelled, "To Greece!" Even in a Hollywood movie that reflects the perceptions of average people, it's clear what Greece was and what ancient Macedonia was.

SPIEGEL: There was also some annoyance when in Greece recently photos of a stand in northern Macedonia appeared at the Berlin International Tourism Exchange, where the country was only advertised as "Macedonia". After Greek protests disappeared the posters.

Katrougalos: Your intention to implement the agreement is obvious: violations of the agreement, either accidentally or out of habit, are immediately registered and eliminated.

SPIEGEL: What role do Russia, the USA and Turkey play in the debate over northern Macedonia?

Katrougalos: These three countries have interests in the region and everyone is trying to enforce their own.

SPIEGEL: What does Russia want?

Katrougalos: Russia is against the expansion of NATO. But our discussions with North Macedonia were about our own interests.

SPIEGEL: Did Moscow force you to withdraw from the talks?

Katrougalos: There was no pressure. We will not crowd anyway.

SPIEGEL: Greece has expelled Russian diplomats. They are said to have tried to foment protests against an agreement with money payments to politicians and business people.

Katrougalos: Listen. When we realized that there were events that contradicted the way in which one state should respect the sovereignty of another, we responded. But there was no official pressure from Moscow that went beyond an exchange of views. As I said: we do not let ourselves be pushed.

SPIEGEL: Did Germany press for the deal?

Katrougalos: The situation in our relations with Germany has improved dramatically, especially the cooperation between Tsipras and Chancellor Merkel. We have fought a common fight against the migration problem. This contributed significantly to mutual recognition between the two heads of government. The tabloid press served many stereotypes at the beginning of the crisis. They have weakened considerably.

SPIEGEL: Up to 70 percent of Greeks reject the agreement with northern Macedonia. That's a problem for PM Tsipras.

Katrougalos: The exact percentage varies according to polls. I think that is a sentimental reaction, which can be explained above all by the fact that a large part of our people were hurt in their national pride during the crisis years. The crisis was not only a great misery for the average Greek, but also a weakening of our national sovereignty. But I have no doubt that our citizens will change their minds when they realize the true meaning of the Prespa deal, with logical thinking and no emotion.

MIRROR ONLINE

SPIEGEL: In autumn, a new parliament is to be elected. Do you still have time to convince the citizens?

Katrougalos: Voters will not decide on the agreement alone. One example is the fact that Greece is out of the EU rescue program.

SPIEGEL: What next priority do you have in your new job?

Katrougalos: We are discussing measures to de- escalate tensions with Turkey. I will meet with my Turkish counterpart this month. We want to see if the talks on Cyprus can be resumed to reunite the island in line with UN resolutions. We want to exploit every option to achieve this.

SPIEGEL: Greece claims claims for German reparations for the damage suffered in the Second World War. Tsipras had promised to discuss the issue in Parliament by the end of 2018. Since then it has been postponed again and again.

Katrougalos: I can not name an exact date. I was present when Tsipras raised this issue with Chancellor Merkel. It is an open topic for us. Ethically, historically, politically and legally. We will continue to insist on talking about it.

SPIEGEL: In the immediate future?

Katrougalos: In the near future the matter will be brought to the Greek Parliament. In March or April.

SPIEGEL: And when is elected? Some expect early elections in May.

Katrougalos: The elections will take place in October. That dictates the constitution. In addition, our economic situation is improving. We have no reason to change anything on the date.