Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on Wednesday hit back on criticism from opposition parties on the government’s handling of the ongoing negotiations between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on the name issue, saying when they were in power they had different positions from the ones they are presenting now.
“Parties that governed should say what they really supported in the negotiations they held then for the name and why they now present other positions. The minutes of their negotiations exist. They should explain why and how they believe today their then government positions are wrong,” he tweeted.
The minister said their inaction allowed for irredentist policies to be strengthened, adding that the government is now aiming to finish with this issue. “Conditions are created with our action and not with silly grandstanding,” he added.
“Parties that governed should say what they really supported in the negotiations they held then for the name and why they now present other positions. The minutes of their negotiations exist. They should explain why and how they believe today their then government positions are wrong,” he tweeted.
The minister said their inaction allowed for irredentist policies to be strengthened, adding that the government is now aiming to finish with this issue. “Conditions are created with our action and not with silly grandstanding,” he added.