The UN secretary general’s personal envoy on the FYROM name issue Matthew Nimetz said on Wednesday that he was “more optimistic” for a solution to the name issue, but rejected any timetable, following a 90-minute meeting in Athens with Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis.

Nimetz, who arrived in Athens on Tuesday night after talks in the FYROM capital of Skopje, told reporters after the meeting with Bakoyannis that he had brought ideas that comprise “minor” changes to the proposals he had submitted in October, which included the name “Republic of Northern Macedonia”.

Nimetz said he had an excellent discussion with the Greek Foreign Minister, adding he briefed her on his contacts in Skopje. He then went on to claim that the ground is favourable for the continuation of the negotiations.

However when asked whether he was optimistic that there will be progress by the end of the year, the UN envoy replied that “I don’t believe in deadlines”, stressing at the same time that “there is a strong desire by both sides to find a solution”.

“I believe in the talks for a mutually beneficial solution, I believe that we are very close to finding a solution, and that is why I’m more optimistic than before,” Nimetz said.

Asked to clarify statements he made on Tuesday concerning a national identity and language of the neighbouring country, Nimetz explained that:  “What we have been discussing for many years is the issue of the name”, adding that “some things are considered indisputable, such as the fact that there is a state that is recognised in the framework of the UN with the name of ‘FYROM’ and, of course, we have for years desired a mutually acceptable name for that state.

“There is a language, which is spoken by that specific people, but our focus is on the name issue”.

Nimetz stressed that the next step will be determined by the response from both sides to his current proposal.

“The solution is near on FYROM’s name issue, ”he reassured reporters.

However he emphasized that both sides had made a strong commitment to resolving the issue of the name, saying, “I know that the government in Skopje desires a solution of the issue, desires to improve its relations with Greece.

I also know, from the foreign minister, that Greece desires better relations with its northern neighbour in a way that ensures dignity and justice.”