European Union presidency to back FYROM accession talks

The European Union presidency says it will back the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to open accession talks after it reached a deal to change its name.

Romanian European Affairs Minister George Ciamba said Monday he wanted negotiations to start for FYROM in June at a meeting of EU ministers.

Romania, which currently holds the bloc's rotating presidency, also supports Albania opening accession talks.

Ciamba said Romania wanted EUs enlargement process to continue, based on merits and reforms carried out by would-be members.

FYROM and Albania are official candidates for joining the 28-member bloc but don't have a date.

Ciamba made his remarks after meeting Bujar Osmani, FYROM's vice prime minister in charge of European affairs, in Bucharest. [AP]