Greek PM defends Macedonia deal ahead of confidence vote
Greece's prime minister is defending his deal to normalize relations with neighboring Macedonia ahead of a confidence vote in parliament after his governing coalition collapsed over the agreement.
Addressing lawmakers Tuesday, Alexis Tsipras said he chose to end the 27-year dispute over Macedonia's name, seizing "a great opportunity" despite the potential political cost to his government.
Tsipras is expected to narrowly win the vote late Wednesday.
Outgoing Defense Minister Panos Kammenos receives a gift from military personnel during the handover ceremony in Athens, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Newly appointed Defense Minister Evangelos Apostolakis retired admiral left his post as head of the country's armed forces to replace Panos Kammenos, leader of a small nationalist party, who withdrew from the government coalition at the weekend over disagreement on a proposed deal between Greece and neighbor Macedonia. Greece's parliament has scheduled a confidence vote for late Wednesday following the collapse of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' governing coalition over a proposed deal to end a decades-old dispute with Macedonia. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
In that case, he proposes within days to seek parliamentary ratification of the agreement with Macedonia.
The deal will see the country renamed North Macedonia in return for Greece lifting its objections to its neighbor joining NATO and, eventually, the European Union.
Macedonia has already fulfilled its part of the deal, formally ratifying the agreement and changing its constitution to incorporate the new name.
Newly appointed Defense Minister Evangelos Apostolakis, left, and outgoing Panos Kammenos, sing the national anthem during the handover ceremony in Athens, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The 62-year-old retired admiral left his post as head of the country's armed forces to replace Panos Kammenos, leader of a small nationalist party, who withdrew from the government coalition at the weekend over disagreement on a proposed deal between Greece and neighbor Macedonia. Greece's parliament has scheduled a confidence vote for late Wednesday following the collapse of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' governing coalition over a proposed deal to end a decades-old dispute with Macedonia. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)