BBC

Papers in Greece take the US administration to task over a decision to refer to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Macedonia) simply as "Macedonia". Greece objects because Macedonia is also the name of its northern province, which is the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

"Bad friends Americans... A diplomatic stab at Athens," says a headline in the independent Greek daily To Vima. A front-page editorial, however, urges the Greek government to respond with caution.

The independent daily I Kathimerini complains bitterly of the "political impropriety of the United States". "It is ignoring the UN, recognising 'Macedonia' and causing outrage in Athens," the paper says. It adds that the Greek government is now pinning its hopes on the EU, which Macedonia wants to join.

"Macedonian warrior's gunfight," says a headline in the leftist Elevtherotipia. President George Bush, the paper says, "again scorns the UN and delivers a blow at dawn". A cartoon shows Macedonian soldiers accompanied by US cavalry entering Greece, while an editorial says the president is behaving in a typical "cowboy, gunslinger" fashion.

The left-of-centre daily Ta Nea in turn has a front-page cartoon showing the United States presenting a gift to Macedonia, labelled "recognition as Macedonia".

The right-wing Elevtheros Tipos speaks of Washington's "harsh message", adding that this proves the US does not allow for any "privileged handling of obedient states". "It also proves that there is a very short distance from the US congratulations over the Olympic Games to yesterday's diplomatic blow, if the superpower decides so," the paper adds.

The independent financial daily Imerisia makes a similar point. "Shock after the lack of action," it says. "The government asleep, although it knew of Washington's plans."
The independent weekly Paraskevi +13 headlines its comment: "Bush's crime with Macedonia."

In Macedonia itself, Skopje's Sitel TV said that negotiations on the recognition "lasted for some time" and involved only a few individuals to ensure secrecy, "for fear of Greece's reactions and its possible lobbying against the US decision".
Not even Prime Minister Hari Kostov knew about the talks, which were led by President Branko Crvenkovski, the TV said.

Interviewed by Macedonian MTV1, Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva welcomed the US decision. "This is the gesture of a friend, partner and ally," she said. She added that it had been a "truly arduous diplomatic battle, which warranted a great deal of caution and discretion".