Parliament approves Prespes deal to rename FYROM

Following a tumultuous session in Parliament, Greek MPs on Friday approved the Prespes deal which will rename the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia "North Macedonia," ending a decades-long dispute between the two countries.  

The contentious deal passed into law - with 153 votes in favor, 146 against and one present - following several days of vehement debate in the House and protests in the streets. 

The next step will be the ratification of a so-called accession protocol for FYROM to be able to join NATO under the new name, largely a formality as the deal ratified in the House obliges Greece not to block potential accession bids by its neighbor. 

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras welcomed the deal's ratification as "historic," and referred to the Balkan country as North Macedonia. "It will be a friend and an ally of Greece in its efforts for security, stability...

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