Washington, June 24.The Macedonia-Greece name dispute can be solved, says former U.S. presidential candidate, Republican Senator John McCain.

“Greece is currently coping with enormous challenges and I believe that in such a situation good relations with Macedonia will be in its interest“, McCain  said after receiving the International Freedom Award of the United Macedonian Diaspora.

The award was also presented to Democrat Senator Frank Lautenberg, Independent Democrat Senator Joseph Lieberman, and posthumously to former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, reports Voice of America in Macedonian Language.

According to McCain, the award is a stimulus for further efforts in enhancing bilateral relations.

“It means a lot to receive an international freedom award, since it is coming from people who have left their country for the United States and other states worldwide, but are committed to Macedonia’s independence and freedom. As we all know, the country has faced numerous challenges. Their support is a motivation for me to continue to support Macedonia“, added McCain.

He described U.S.-Macedonia relations as very good, but excellent when former President George Bush was personally interested in the country.

Furthermore, McCain stressed the role of the Macedonian army in the Afghanistan mission.

“We are thankful for the fact that the Macedonian army is helping us in Afghanistan and thankful to the Macedonian people for the sacrifice of the young troops. I believe that bilateral relations will continue to be good, even improve”, underlined U.S. Senator McCain.

http://bsanna-news.ukrinform.ua/newsitem.php?id=16302&lang=en