Outlook unclear on name deal with Skopje

The prospects for a breakthrough in talks between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the latter's name are unclear as although FYROM's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expressed optimism over the weekend, technical-level discussions between the two sides have been ridden with obstacles. 

In comments on Saturday, Zaev said he was "optimistic" but that certain "technical details" remain to be settled, adding that he would telephone his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras when those issues have been resolved.

He said he hoped a deal could be reached by late June, adding that the two sides have agreed to sign any agreement in Prespes, northern Greece, near Lake Prespa, which is shared by Greece and FYROM as well as Albania.

Greek officials struck a cautiously reassuring stance over the weekend. Interior Minister Panos Skourletis said the government was...