Nimetz: Tsipras and Zaev displayed political courage and strategic vision
"We should be grateful for the existence of such quality of leadership in these two countries," said the UN Secretary General's special envoy for the name issue, Matthew Nimetz, on Sunday following the signature of a historic agreement between Greece and Skopje that promises to put an end to the decades-long dispute between them.
"Today is my birthday. For my own part I tell my family that I do not want any gifts, I will be given gifts by the two prime ministers," he said, speaking immediately after the document was signed in the village of Psarades, on the Greek shore of the Prespes Lake.
Nimetz expressed his warmest congratulations to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Skopje Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in person, calling them "great leaders of the region".
"These leaders displayed political courage and strategic vision. It is not often one finds political courage and strategic vision and we must be grateful for the existence of such quality of leadership in these two countries," he said.
Regarding the agreement, Nimetz said it met the strategic interests of both countries, saying it was an honour and pleasure to have worked on and finally signed the document.
"It was a long and difficult process but I believe that the processing of the problems over many years led to an agreement that is fair and honest and can be implemented successfully, not only in relations between the two states but as an example for the region, for Europe and the entire world, on how two neighbouring countries can resolve a problem if they make the attempt."
For himself, Nimetz was visibly pleased and noted that his own part was officially over now that the agreement was signed. "There are, however, four people and their governments that will ensure its successful implementation and the building of trust," he added.
Source: amna-mpa
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