UN envoy in Macedonian-Greek name dispute negotiations Mr. Matthew Nimetz said Thursday he was assured that settling of the problem is a top priority of Macedonia's top officials, which 'is an encouragement for him.' Speaking to reporters after meeting Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Nimetz said that for the first time after 20 years there was a chance for solving the issue.

"We have talked about specifics, various possibilities. I have presented several ideas and gotten certain reactions. And I know that this is something that should be achieved. After my visits to Athens and Skopje I feel that there is a greater, serious interest in possibilities for reaching a solution. It is very important, as it is easy to say let's solve the name and turn to general matters. But, we all that this is an issue of top priority and its resolving requires serious caution. And certainly great interest to that effect is present here," Mr. Nimetz said.

I am encouraged by the talks in Skopje and Athens, Mr. Nimetz said, announcing more intensive name negotiations in New York. Along with the representatives of both countries, Mr. Zoran Jolevski and Mr. Adamantios Vassilakis, he will work on developing the ideas, which are constructive, carefully contemplated, Nimetz said, expressing hope for progress.

"I have been involved in this (negotiating) process since 1994 and I cannot say that the ideas are brand new," Mr. Nimetz said. But the circumstances have been altering and the UN mediator considers that "there is always a possibility for creativity and positive outcome".

Today in Skopje, Mr. Nimetz also held talks with President Gjorge Ivanov and Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki.