FYROM: Canada recognises ''Macedonia'' 12:39 - 20 September 2007 Canada officially recognised FYROM under the name written in the country's constitution, which has long elicited strong opposition from neighbouring Greece, Sofia News Agency reports.
The information has been confirmed through diplomatic channels, namely Canada's consulate in the country. Bulgaria become one of the first states to recognise the constitutional name of the country after it seceded from Yugoslavia, a name which Greece strongly objects to, feeling that it clashes with the name of one of its northern provinces. The diplomatic conflict has led to strained relations between the two countries, and most international organisations, including the UN, EU and IOC still refer to the country as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM. Greece has gone as far as to vow to block FYROM's attempts to join the EU and NATO unless it changes its name. Source: Sofia News Agency <http://www.novinite.com> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
