Fresh wind in the Aegean?

Fresh wind in the Aegean?

It could be a breath of fresh air in a region gone stale. Greece's new prime minister, George Papandreou, will bring new initiatives and energy to some apparently intractable problems in southeastern Europe.

He's known as a skilled diplomat. He served as foreign minister in a previous government, and has given himself the same portfolio in his new administration. 

Here are three thorny issues Mr Papandreou will have to grapple with:

1) Cyprus

The island has been divided ever since the Turkish invasion in 1974. The latest round of peace talks began in 2008 with a feeling amongst some diplomats that this may be the last opportunity to re-unite Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Since then, progress has been frustratingly slow, which suits hardliners on both sides, who are convinced the compromises necessary for re-unification are too painful.  The window of opportunity is closing; the Turkish Cypriots hold presidential elecitons in April 2010, and the relatively moderate Mehmet Ali Talat may lose to a nationalist opponent.  Mr Papandreou can't work miracles on his own; if there is to be any hope in Cyprus, it will result from him working in tandem with the Turkish Prime Minister Tayip Erdogan.

2) Turkey

Intricately linked to Cyprus, of course, Turkey's bid to join the EU appears to be going nowhere. The issue has drifted out of the headlines over the past year, but EU leaders will be discussing Turkey at a summit in December.  As foreign minister in a previous PASOK government, Mr Papandreou was credited with achieving a reconciliation with Turkey. Greece - unlike powerful EU countries like France and Germany - is officially in favour of Turkey's membership. Turkey is now hoping Greece is a more pro-active supporter, but the relationship is complicated by ongoing territorial disputes in the Aegean.

3) Macedonia

What do you call that small country just to the north of Greece? Macedonia, or the Former Yugolsav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)?  Greece insists on the latter, as it fears the name "Macedonia" implies a territorial claim on a part of its own territory, which is already called Macedonia.  The "name issue", as it is called here,  provokes groans and incredulity around the world, but it's highly emotive in this region. It's also important; until the two countries reach an agreement on a mutually acceptable name for Macedonia/FYROM, Greece will prevent its northern neighbour from joining NATO and the EU.  The likely solution will be a new name that includes the word Macedonia; "Northern Macedonia" is being mentioned.  But Mr Papandreou, mindful of domestic public opinion, may feel the Greeks have already been flexible enough. 

So, three problems which are undermining the stability of this region. In truth, a lasting solution to any of them would be a major diplomatic triumph. Good luck, George!