Macedonian authorities begin removing signs from highway "Alexander of Macedon"

SKOPJE, (Patria) - Macedonian authorities are removing signs from the highway that until recently bore the name of Alexander of Macedon.

The name change is a concession by Zoran Zaev's government to Greek authorities ahead of a crucial phase of negotiations over the name. The name of the ancient ruler will also be removed from Skopje's airport.

The removal of signs bearing the name "Alexander of Macedon" from the highway leading from Skopje to the Tabanovce border crossing has begun, media in Skopje report.

Signs with the new name of this road, "Friendship" have not yet arrived, reports RTS.

The erasure of the ancient ruler's name represents a positive signal from Skopje ahead of the continuation of negotiations with Athens over the future name of Macedonia. Both sides, Greek and Macedonian, hope that the 27-year-long problem will be resolved by July, so that shortly thereafter Macedonia can be admitted to NATO membership.

In addition to the highway, the name of Alexander of Macedon will also be removed from Skopje's airport, which will henceforth be called "Skopje International Airport".

The United Nations has been trying for 27 years to find a compromise solution regarding the name of Macedonia. Athens does not recognize the name Republic of Macedonia and claims that this is the name of a northern Greek province dating back to ancient times. Because of this, Greece has blocked Macedonia's admission to NATO.

Due to the dispute with Greece, after declaring independence in 1991, Macedonia was admitted to the UN under the provisional name Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.