“We had exceptionally interesting talks which will have an impact on the future of the region and the broader European Union, said Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Thursday after the completion of the EU-West Balkans Summit in Sofia.
Tsipras said that Greece supports the European prospects of western Balkan nations and referred to the country’s geopolitical role in the area.
Talks with FYROM Prime Minister Zoran Zaev went through the night in a bid to solve the name dispute, said Tsipras.
“In the evening we had the opportunity to have a very substantial discussion until the early morning hours and had a second meeting this morning. I must tell you that we had substantial negotiations. However, there are still a number of issues as they are complicated multi level negotiations. We had to work through the night and today to discuss in a very constructive and essential manner,” he said.
“I believe that we have covered a large part of the distance but there is more to cross. It is a difficult procedure and we are examining step by step all of the details, but we are not in a position to be talking about an agreement,” said Tsipras.
Questioned on what areas the two sides have agreed on, Tsipras said “You either agree on everything or don’t agree on anything. We are looking for solutions, without crossing any red lines.”
