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No deal in Macedonia name dispute

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Two days of talks at the United Nations ended Tuesday with no deal to end the naming dispute between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

A U.N. official said, however, the two sides found the discussions helpful in focusing on the way forward in a constructive manner. Matthew Nimitz, personal envoy of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said he was given firm assurances that each government is sincere in trying to find a solution.

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The negotiations over the naming issue have been going on since Macedonia became an independent nation in 1991 following the break-up of Yugoslavia. Greece opposes its use of the name Republic of Macedonia because it has a Macedonia region within its borders.

In 1995, the United Nations helped the two sides reach an interim accord that obliges Athens and Skopje to keep talking until they reach a settlement.

"As we move forward, I have asked the parties to demonstrate their commitment to the resolution of their difference by promoting a positive atmosphere through their actions and public statements," Nimitz said.

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