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The Hellenic Institute for Strategic Studies, at its Board of Directors meeting on January 11, 2018 and in the presence of numerous members, discussed the major national issue of Greece's differences with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

In the allotted time, interesting analyses, approaches and positions were presented that covered all of the individual open issues that affect our relations with this neighboring country.

All positions were made with the national interest and the promotion of broader national objectives in mind. Reference was made to the presentation of undeniable historical facts, the international environment, the balance of power in the region and the conflicting interests and movements of all parties involved.

An effort was made to identify not only all possible solutions but mainly their consequences, short-term, medium-term and long-term, for the interests of Hellenism.

The possible consequences of a "good" or "bad" resolution, as well as of not resolving the issue, were also examined.

It was pointed out that the seriousness and complexity of the issue do not allow for irresponsible and amateurish manipulations and attempts at partisan exploitation.

It was emphasized that in any case, it is important to avoid a counterproductive divisive division of Hellenism, while on the contrary, maximum national consensus must be sought for the calm and rational handling of the issue.

The productive and interesting views of the members that were presented are listed on the ELISME website (www.elisme.gr in the "member views" section), exactly as they were subsequently submitted by the members who expressed their views on the issue.

We believe that all the views presented will be a source of reflection and will facilitate a holistic approach to this complex problem in order to achieve the optimal position for national interests and its subsequent resolution.