Greece, FYROM sign deal to change neighbor's name

Against the scenic backdrop of the Prespes Lake district in northern Greece, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and his counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Nikola Dimitrov, on Sunday signed a landmark agreement to change the Balkan country's name in the presence of their prime ministers and foreign officials.

In a joint appearance with FYROM premier Zoran Zaev, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras described the agreement as "patriotic and mutually beneficial," and stressed the importance of safeguarding it.

"We have a historic responsibility to ensure this agreement is not left up in the air," Tsipras said.

The deal, under which FYROM would be renamed North Macedonia, must pass a referendum in FYROM and approval in both countries' parliaments before it can be enforced.

Zaev also hailed the deal, saying it "put an end to the...