Athens, 26 February 2024 (MIA) - Our relations with North Macedonia are at a very satisfactory level, bilateral ties have enhanced over the past five years, much more compared to the 15 years before that. Nevertheless, we must be clear that observance of the Prespa Agreement should be strict and full, said Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on Monday, MIA reports from Athens.

FM Gerapetritis was quizzed in Parliament over the three memoranda for cooperation with North Macedonia that have been stuck in the Greek parliament since 2019.

"These memoranda will arrive for ratification in the parliament when the country sees it fit, always considering the right and well-intentioned implementation of the Prespa Agreement provisions," said Gerapetritis.

He reiterated that the Prespa Agreement is an international treaty that cannot be altered by any party and noted that the Greek government is closely monitoring its implementation, while adding "there is no full alignment yet" regarding the replacement of the passports.

"There was a possibility to make the necessary adaptation over a period of five years, both in regard to the passports and the vehicles' register plates. As of today, this has not been completed, not because of Greece but due to bureaucratic, organizational or other issues in North Macedonia," said Gerapetritis.

The FM said Greece has "a political duty" to monitor the consistent implementation of the agreement and react in case of non-alignment.

"The Greek Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made all the required steps due to the lack of alignment regarding the passports and the new name. This includes the official communication by the Greek diplomatic offices to the EU authorities and Union member-states regarding the Prespe Agreement implementation," noted Gerapetritis.

He added that the Prespa Agreement is a treaty "that cannot be modified, it obligates the Greek state, it obligates the Greek parliament".

The Greek FM reaffirmed the country's support to the European integration of North Macedonia and other countries of the Western Balkans.

"Besides the benefits of EU integration for the Western Balkans, the EU itself will revitalize through its enlargement in the region, an area that we all know has been quite sensitive throughout history," underlined Gerapetritis.