Macedonian, Greek PMs get nominated for 2019 Nobel Peace Prize

SKOPJE, Dec 19: The Prime ministers of Macedonia and Greece, Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras, are nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for signing the Prespa Agreement between the two countries, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Tunisian economist Ouided Bouchamaoui declared in Skopje on Tuesday.
According to Bouchamaoui, the nomination is not only for the two PMs, but also for all the citizens. “This is a model of dialogue and prosperity. I strongly believe that Macedonia and Greece will receive the Nobel Prize and prove to the world that everything can be done through agreement,” said Bouchamaoui.
Bouchamaoui also added that the agreement can serve as a model for problem-solving across the world. A member of the European Parliament, Stelios Kouloglou, who is supporting the nomination, attended the ceremony as well.
According to Kouloglou, the Prespa agreement is the only good and positive thing that is currently produced in Europe, a continent divided and faced with numerous problems.
In mid June, Macedonia and Greece came up with a final deal after a long process of negotiations to solve the name dispute. Under the agreement reached, Zaev said the name to be used both internationally and bilaterally would be the Republic of North Macedonia.
The solving of the name row that has existed between the two countries is seen as the main obstacle Macedonia has to overcome in order to make progress towards the European Union (EU) and NATO integration.

(AGENCIES)