    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [September 4, 1995]
    [Page 1297]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Agreement Between Greece and the Former Yugoslav
    Republic of Macedonia
    September 4, 1995

        I welcome the decision by Prime Minister Papandreou and President
    Gligorov to send their Foreign Ministers to New York next week to
    complete an agreement on steps to establish friendly relations between
    their two countries. This courageous and visionary decision by both
    leaders is an extremely important step that will support current efforts
    to bring peace and stability to the Balkans. It is the result of months
    of intensive diplomatic efforts by Cyrus Vance, the United Nations
    mediator, and by the President's Envoy, Matthew Nimetz, as well as
    meetings today in Athens and Skopje by the negotiating team lead by
    Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke.
        In this context, I also welcome Greece's strong support for the U.S.
    peace initiative in the Balkans and its steadfast support as a NATO
    ally. Greece is an important partner in the ongoing negotiations and in
    the critical military decisions being taken within NATO. We will
    continue to consult closely with the Greek Government in the coming
    weeks.
        President Gligorov is dedicated to assuring that his new nation
    takes its rightful place in the international community. The imminent
    completion of an agreement with Greece demonstrates that significant
    progress has been made. I consider today's announcement a major step
    toward peace and stability in the Balkans. It is my fervent hope that it
    will encourage the leaders of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia to take
    further steps of their own toward peace.