Zaev calls NATO's invite to FYROM for talks a 'big bang'

The prime minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, lauded NATO's decision to invite the tiny Balkan nation to begin accession talks, describing it as a "big bang."

Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit in Brussels, Zaev called on the citizens of his country to join in the celebrations - over the invite extended by the alliance - in 15 cities across the tiny Balkan nation.

He described NATO's invitation as "a great success" for FYROM, which will become an ally of the "world's most powerful [countries]."

NATO has said the successful conclusion of the accession process is contingent on the ratification of the name deal with Greece.

To this end, Zaev called on his country's citizens to vote yes "for the future of Macedonia" in the forthcoming referendum.

Moreover, speaking to the BBC, Zaev said that North Macedonia - the...