Greece says opportunity to resolve Macedonia name issue must not be wasted

Macedonia's PM Zoran Zaev gives a speach during a referendum night on changing Macedonia's name that would open the way for it to join NATO and the European Union in Skopje, Macedonia September 30, 2018. REUTERS/Ognen Teofilovski

ATHENS (Reuters) - The Greek government said on Monday the opportunity to solve a dispute over the name of Macedonia must not be wasted, a day after a referendum showed backing for a deal on the issue but failed to achieve the required turnout.

A vast majority of voters supported the deal reached between Athens and Skopje in June under which the country's name would be changed to the Republic of North Macedonia.