'Northern Macedonia' proposed as new name

A UN mediator has proposed the name Northern Macedonia to resolve a dispute between Greece and its northern neighbor that has blocked Skopje's NATO aspirations, Greek media said yesterday.

State television and Greek newspapers said UN mediator Matthew Nimetz had proposed the name "Republic of Northern Macedonia" for the former Yugoslav state, a proposal which Greece has initially welcomed.

"We believe this text - with a lot of work and discussion - has the potential to lead to a mutually acceptable solution," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos told state NET TV. He did not confirm the name proposed.