A referendum on the name will be held and this is a closed issue for me. There is no possibility to settle the name problem without a referendum, without citizens giving their opinion on the possible proposal, says Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in the interview with MIA's correspondent from Brussels, given prior to his departure for a meeting with Johan Tarculovski in The Hague.

"I am deeply convinced that such a large issue in the history of one people cannot be settled without consulting the citizens. The country's name is hereditary. It was an integral part of the referendum question on September 8, 1991. The name of the country cannot be decided by a handful of politicians, certain intellectuals, NGOs or individuals. Only the people can decide on such a large issue. Politicians can only give their opinion, but not decide by themselves", says PM Gruevski.

Gruevski also refers to the reaction of Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on his statements during the recent visit to Australia related to the Aegean, Vardar and Pirin Macedonians, saying that it did not include any territorial pretensions, but a uniting pro-European spirit and intent.

"We do not have any territorial pretensions towards Bulgaria or any other neighboring state. The statement was taken out of context. Taking into consideration the situation with the Macedonian community in Australia, I urged Macedonians there to demonstrate greater unity, not divide themselves on any background, primarily church divisions (for or against the Macedonian Orthodox Church administrator), or by birth origin. I said they all live in the same country, meaning Australia, and they must respect themselves. I also added that when all Balkan states become EU members, borders will topple and all Balkan peoples will live in Europe without borders, as ethnic Macedonians live in Australia regardless of their birthplace. Moreover, I said it is human to quarrel, but it is Christian to forgive, urging for unity and forgiveness", stressed Gruevski.

According to him, the Macedonian issue must not be used as one of discord, but reconciliation and unity.

"I regret if someone misunderstood or was misinformed about my remarks. I am consistent in my statements, what I say in Macedonia is the same when abroad and vice versa", stated PM Gruevski.

Pertaining to requests for pensions to members of the former National Liberation Army (NLA), Gruevski says the issue should be resolved through the existing laws.

"A few years ago there was a request for a special law for fighters of the so-called NLA, including special privileges for them and equaling of their rights with the ones of the country's defenders. It was said those people are faced with problems that need to be settled with a special law, since some are disabled, others have health problems etc. I did not accept such an idea then, saying their problems can be solved only through the existing laws and nothing more. My position is the same now, and as far as I know, the same is also perceived by DUI. Everything else is speculation, inconsistency and unacceptable", underlines Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in an interview with MIA.