Greece nods for new name of Macedonia

Greece on Friday ratified the accord to officially change the name of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia, putting to ending long-drawn clashes between the two neighbouring states over the same issue.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took to Twitter to say, "Today marks a historical day. Greece safeguards an important part of its history, the heritage of Ancient Greek Macedonia. Today, we write a new chapter in the history of the Balkans. Nationalist hatred, disputes and clashes are now replaced by friendship, peace and cooperation."

"North Macedonia was born today. It will be a friend and an ally of Greece in its efforts for security, stability and mutual development in the region," the Prime Minister added.

Statements by the Prime Minister came after the Greek Parliament passed the Macedonia name-change deal with a majority of 153 votes in favour of the deal, while the 146 legislators voting against the deal, out of a total 300-seats in the Parliament, Al Jazeera reported.

Macedonia, has been attempting for decades to gain membership of the North American Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU). However, Greece raised objections to the official usage of Macedonia's name, arguing that it implies territorial aspirations against a northern Greek region with the same name.