UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Tuesday the agreement between Greece and the Former Yogoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) settling their difference on the latter's naming issue.
In a statement through his spokesperson, Guterres congratulated all who participated "constructively" in the efforts that led to the accord.
Under the deal, the name "North Macedonia" is to be used for the FYROM.
Particularly, Guterres expressed his wish to pay tribute to his personal envoy on the matter, Matthew Nimetz, who he said "embodied the values of perseverance, patience and quiet diplomacy in facilitating this historic agreement over many years."
Nimetz worked two and a half decades on resolving Greece's objection to FYROM -- as it is called at the United Nations -- naming itself Macedonia alone, when Greece had an historic, adjacent northern region of the same name.
Guterres also reiterated the UN's commitment to provide all necessary support, both through his personal envoy and through the relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes.
The UN chief said he is convinced the resolution will have positive repercussions in Europe and beyond, and that he hopes parties to other protracted conflicts may be inspired by this development to work towards settlements.
