It is a “burden” on Europe, the dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia over the latter’s name, says German Chancellor Angela Merkel who has called for a solution even if it would be disappointing for both sides. “We can find a way to solve this problem”, Chancellor said addressing to the annual meeting of the Brdo-Brijuni Process between leaders of South-eastern European countries. “I have spent time on this issue and the names and possible combinations but sometimes I think there is nothing else to be proposed”, she claimed. “In Germany we say that a compromise has been achieved when each side is equally unhappy,” said Merkel, noting further that a solution on the name issue would allow FYROM to progress with its efforts to join the European Union and NATO.

It is the second time Merkel involves in the matter. Last November she held talks with the United Nation’s mediator for the issue, Matthew Nimetz, in Berlin.