WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 02nd October, 2018) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes politicians in Macedonia should move forward with plans to change the country's name after a majority of voters backed the move in a nationwide referendum, despite low turnout, the UN chief's Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said in a press release on Monday.
"The fact that an overwhelming majority of those voting supported the Prespa Agreement is important. The secretary-general urges all political forces in the country to proceed with implementation through the country's institutions," the release said.
Guterres emphasized that the United Nations was ready to provide Macedonia whatever support it needs to implement the deal, including the assistance of his personal envoy, as well as that of UN agencies, funds and programs.
On Sunday, Macedonia held a referendum on the Prespa Agreement, a deal to change the country's name from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia.
According to the State Election Commission, more than 90 percent of those who voted backed the deal, but only 36 percent of voters participated in the referendum, far fewer than the 50 percent turnout required in order to make the vote valid.
over 91 percent of voters supported renaming the country under the deal with Greece, while over five percent voted against.
The referendum, however, failed to secure the necessary 50-percent turnout in order to make the vote valid and after counting data from over 91 percent of polling stations, the turnout amounted to 36.36 percent.
