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ABSTRACT

The relations between the two neighboring countries Macedonia and Greece face unique challenges. Namely, the Greek problem with the name of the Republic of Macedonia has not only deep historical roots but also creates possibility for contemporary and even future destabilization in the entire region of South-east Europe. This paper threats the issues in the relations between Macedonia and Greece mostly relying on qualitative methods.

Keywords: Macedonia, Greece, European Union, NATO, Name Problem, Relations.

ISIM SORUNU ÇERÇEVESINDE MAKEDONYA VE YUNANISTAN ARASINDAKI ILISKILER

ÖZET

Iki komsu ülke olan Makedonya ve Yunanistan arasindaki iliskiler emsalsiz bir redde dönüsmektedir. Söyle ki, Yunanlilarin Makedonya Cumhuriyeti'nin ismiyle yasadigi problem sadece derin tarihsel kökleri olan bir sorun degil; ayni zamanda Güneydogu Avrupa'nin tümünde günümüz ve gelecek için bile istikrarsizlik ihtimali yaratmaktadir. Bu çalisma, çogunlukla nitel metotlara dayanarak Makedonya-Yunanistan iliskilerindeki sorunlari incelemektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Makedonya, Yunanistan, Avrupa Birligi, NATO, Isim Sorunu, Iliskiler.

INTRODUCTION

After the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991, Macedonia has become independent republic. This was not so good accepted by Greece that refused to recognize the new neighbor and denied the right on its name and national symbols. Despite the tensions, Macedonia and Greece have come to an interim Agreement in 1995. Still, this agreement solved the issue only partly. Despite the agreement provisions for non obstructing Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic integrations, Greece acted opposite of this on the NATO summit in Bucharest in 2008. This is the reason why Macedonia brought the case before the International Court of Justice, whose verdict clearly stated that Greece has violated the interim Agreement. Still, Greece as EU and NATO member refuses to allow Macedonian integration in this two organizations, leaving Macedonia out of the security umbrella of NATO, on the Balkan which is still not totally stabile.

1. THE NAME PROBLEM BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

"Freedom or death" is the informal motto in Macedonia and in Greece. The essence of the motto reflects the historical fate of both countries that in a good time of their past they were under the rule of Ottoman. 1830 was crucial year for creation of independent Greek state. This news resonated throughout the Balkans that was still under Ottoman rule. The sympathies regarding the creation of a free and independent Greek state were coming...

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