Macedonia officially changes name to North MacedoniaFebruary 13, 2019 - 18:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The country formerly known as the Republic of Macedonia officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia on Tuesday, on paper ending a decades-long dispute that should pave the way for NATO membership, . The country can be called "North Macedonia" for short and the national language should continue to be referred to as "Macedonian," state spokesman Mile Boshnjakovski told CNN. He added that its citizens should continue to be called "Macedonians," not "North Macedonians." After declaring independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, the country chose the name Macedonia. But that title severely strained relations with neighbor Greece, which also has a region called Macedonia. The Greek region of Macedonia lies in the northern, mountainous part of the country and includes its second-largest city, Thessaloniki, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Philippi. Greece, a member of both NATO and the European Union, had been blocking North Macedonia's membership to the military alliance and the beginning of accession talks with the EU until the name dispute was resolved. But under a name deal reached between Athens and Skopje last month, Greece will lift its objections, paving the way for its neighbor's integration. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |