Daniel Serwer, expert for the Balkans and professor of conflict management at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, told MIA that a breakthrough could be made in 2018 in resolving the name dispute and removing the blockade for Macedonia's accession to NATO and the start of accession negotiations with the EU.
Commenting on optimistic expectations from Skopje, Athens, and Washington, expressed by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Hoyt Brian Yee, Server said the solution could be found for the purposes of Macedonia's membership in NATO.
Yes, a solution at least for purposes of NATO membership is possible in 2018, but I could have said the same thing every year since the 1995 Interim Accord. That said conditions right now are promising, Serwer underlined.
The Russians will try everything they can to prevent Macedonia from joining NATO. Pressure on Greece, finance for anti-NATO politicians, rented demonstrators, intense propaganda from RT and Sputnik, armed provocations, even assassination and a coup will all be on their menu. Best be prepared for their worst, Serwer told MIA.
The first meeting between the negotiators from Macedonia and Greece with the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz is expected to be held on November 20 or 21.
