Brussels, 02/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) must step up its effort to meet the Copenhagen political criteria if it wants to gain a favourable opinion from the European Commission on the opening of membership talks, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said on Thursday 2 October, in Brussels. The country, which obtained “candidate status” in December 2005, is anxious for the EU to set a date for launching membership talks. Skopje hopes this decision will be taken by the European Council in December this year as long as the Commission gives a positive opinion in its next regular report on the country, due early November. Speaking to the press on Thursday, after a meeting with Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski, Mr Rehn gave no intimation as to whether the report will be sufficiently positive to reach a decision in December on opening talks. On the other hand, he pointed a finger of blame at the main political failings that the authorities in Skopje must put right as a matter of urgency in order to come into line with the political criteria essential for negotiating EU membership: - improving dialogue between political parties and between the government and opposition; - and ensuring future elections are free, fair and in line with international norms and standards. Messrs Rehn and Crvenkovski also spoke of the conflict between FYROM and Greece over the use of the name “Macedonia”. Greece did not hide the fact that it would block the opening of talks for FYROM's membership to the EU (and to NATO) until this matter is settled to Athens' satisfaction. Speaking to the press, Commissioner Rehn hoped this “eternal” problem would be resolved as speedily as possible. President Crvenkovski stressed his country was ready to accept a “fair compromise that will not go against our culture and national identity”. “I hope Greece will show proof of the same flexibility”, the president said. He announced, moreover, that the UN mediator on the dossier, Matthew Nimetz, will hold further consultation next Tuesday with the leaders of the two countries who are to present, on that occasion, their latest suggestions regarding the name. Mr Nimetz should then develop “a final proposal” for settling the conflict, Mr Crvenkovski hoped. (H.B./transl.jl)