HC Deb 24 June 1994 vol 245 cc338-9W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions are being sought by the Greek Government for the lifting of its embargo on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and what his response is to these proposed conditions.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Greek Government's decision to close Salonika to Macedonian trade was in reaction to a long-running dispute about the flag, name, symbols and constitution of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We consider the Greek action to be unjustified and support the decision of the European Commission to refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made in lifting Greece's unilateral sanctions on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Greece still refuses to reopen Salonika to Macedonian trade. On 14 June, the European Court of Justice heard the Commission's request for interim measures, pending the hearing of the substantive case against Greece. The court's decision is expected shortly. We continue to make clear to the Greek Government that their action is unjustified, and that it should be reversed without precondition.

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