The American ambassador in Athens, George Tsounis, requests the observance of the Prespa Agreement in order to avoid tensions from the new leadership of North Macedonia. In an interview he gave to ERTNEWS and Apostolos Maggiriadis, which will be broadcast tonight, Friday at 10 p.m., Mr. Tsounis also talks about the future of defense cooperation between Athens and Washington, the role of NATO in our region and the perspective of Greek-Turkish dialogue.

“A matter of major importance for the Greeks, especially for those living in northern Greece, it is that of North Macedonia. Surely you are aware of the violation of the Prespa Agreement by members of the new government in North Macedonia. Is there a way for NATO to bring the new government into compliance with the Prespa Agreement?’ was the question posed by Apostolos Maggiriadis, with Mr. Tsounis answering “I don’t want to be harsh, as this is a new government. But it would be wrong for him to do something that would jeopardize the Prespa Agreement. It was a hard-earned deal, it was historic and must be respected. I am surprised that the new government of North Macedonia does not refer to North Macedonia by its constitutional name. I think we are all surprised, but we are all trying, respectfully, to urge them to refer to their country by its constitutional name. Moreover, adherence to international agreements is the backbone of diplomacy. Failure to comply with them creates very problematic situations”.

When asked if he thinks they may be jeopardizing their European path, the US ambassador said “I am not speaking on behalf of Europe, but I would repeat what my government has said, namely that we have made a serious recommendation to our friends in North Macedonia to refer to their country by its constitutional name. The Agreement is in force and must be respected, because international agreements between states are the same backbone of diplomacy. Failure to comply with them would lead to unnecessary tensions. It’s something that can be avoided.”