THE INFLUENCE OF MACEDONIA NAMING DISPUTE ON THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Abstract

In 1991 the Republic of Macedonia declared independence. Among first

goals of the Macedonian foreign policy were establishment relations with

neighboring countries and receiving diplomatic recognition from

influential actors of international relations (USA, Russia, UN). The

solution of these problems for Macedonia became more complicated

because of the Greek position: the name "Macedonia" was regarded by

Greece as a threat to its territorial integrity. Establishing diplomatic

relations with Macedonia, many states were forced to focus on the

position of Greece. In this matter the fact of recognition the Republic of

Macedonia under its constitutional name from Russia and China seems

to be significant, but it didn’t accelerate Macedonia’s integration into

world political space. The issue of Macedonia's accession to NATO was

also not resolved, because of the Greek veto. The settlement of the

dispute with Greece became for Macedonia the key to the doors of the

NATO. After the conflict escalated in the middle of 1990s, when the

Greece began the trade blockade of the Republic of Macedonia, there was

the search for compromises.