Allies ramp up pressure over FYROM name deal

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Athens serves as a reminder that Berlin, and western governments in general, are keen to see Greek Parliament ratify the name deal reached with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). It seems that FYROM Prime Minister Zoran Zaev will manage to push the deal through the assembly of the Balkan country by that time, with sources indicating that he could even muster more than two thirds of votes.

The pressure on Athens from its western allies to avoid an upset in Parliament that would undo what has been built so far, will formally start with Merkel's arrival and will most likely increase as Greece moves closer to the vote. The Europeans and Washington have stewarded the two Balkan neighbors up to this point - regardless if they (understandably) do not wish to admit their involvement - and they hope to see the deal through....