While millions of Greeks inside Greece and the vast majority of the diaspora opposed to the Macedonia Agreement that was passed by the Parliament of Greece, the accolades continue to pour in from Western leaders from throughout the world, including a unified show of support from the Trump Administration in the United States.
The United States government was actively involved in the efforts to push Greece and the newly named “North Macedonia” to a deal in hopes of preventing Russia from establishing a stronger foothold in the Balkans and causing instability in the region.
U.S. spies also uncovered the Russian use of influential Greeks in their attempts to derail the agreement and create instability amongst Greeks, as well as residents of North Macedonia.
State Department Deputy Spokesman Robert Palladino Tweeted a statement by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
“The United States welcomes the decision by #Greece’s Parliament to ratify the #PrespaAgreement. The United States applauds this historic opportunity to advance stability, security, and prosperity throughout the region,” Palladino Tweeted.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s actual statement applauded Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
“The leaders of Greece demonstrated vision, courage, and persistence in their pursuit of a solution to the name dispute,” the official State Department statement said.
The United States welcomes the decision by Greece’s Parliament to ratify the Prespa Agreement. The leaders of Greece demonstrated vision, courage, and persistence in their pursuit of a solution to the name dispute, which will allow the future Republic of North Macedonia to take its rightful place in NATO and the EU. The United States applauds this historic opportunity to advance stability, security, and prosperity throughout the region.
United States Department of State
John Bolton, the President’s advisor on National Security congratulated both prime ministers for their efforts.
“Congratulations to the leaders of Greece @Tsipras_EU and Macedonia @Zoran_Zaev on ratification of the Prespa Agreement. The United States supports this remarkable achievement that will promote stability and prosperity in the Balkans,” Bolton Tweeted.
Senator Ron Johnson, the influential Republican Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Europe & Regional Security Cooperation, also added his praise of Tsipras and Greece.
“I applaud Athens & Skopje for peacefully resolving their naming dispute. It’s a historic step that will result in greater stability and security in SE Europe. I look forward to welcoming North Macedonia as @NATO’s 30th member,” Johnson Tweeted.
Johnson joined Senator Shaheen (D-N.H.) in putting forward a resolution on the Senate floor congratulating the governments of Skopje and Athens on ratifying the Prespa Agreement.
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee also issued a congratulatory message.
“I extend my congratulations to the people of Greece and Macedonia for the resolution of a long-running dispute over Macedonia’s name. Today’s vote in the Greek Parliament to ratify the Prespa Agreement and change Macedonia to North Macedonia will remove an obstacle to that nation’s long-awaited accession into both NATO and the EU. The dedication and determination of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev to end this disagreement and move their countries forward, despite many obstacles, is an historic achievement that will benefit all of Europe.
“I also applaud the hard work of the Trump Administration, and especially Assistant Secretary Mitchell and Ambassador Pyatt to reach this point. A lot of time and effort was invested by many parties.”
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), co-chairs of the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group also issued a joint statement lauding Greece.
“Greece’s vote to ratify and recognize The Republic of North Macedonia is a significant step toward securing peace and prosperity in the region, and will have broader implications by opening the door to the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Balkans,” said Shaheen and Tillis.
“Finding compromise and ending this dispute through diplomacy and peace should be an example to the entire region, and to the global community,”
