PASOK leader George Papandreou has said the Greek interim government of Lucas Papademos can solve the name issue and should undertake appropriate initiatives. On the other hand, New Democracy and LAOS leaders, Andonis Samaras and Georgios Karatzaferis respectively, who are part of the national unity government, stressed the interim authorities should not deal with the issue.

In his address during the parliamentary debate over the election of the new cabinet, Papandreou urged the new government not to put the name row on 'stand-by', but work on its settlement, reports Macedonian daily "Utrinski Vesnik" from Athens.

"This government has a historic chance to undertake initiatives for the dispute's resolution. I want to believe there is room for swift progress", said Papandreou.

On the other hand, opposition leader Samaras said it was not realistic to expect a decade-long row to be solved by an interim government due to last for only three months.

LAOS leader Karatzaferis asked the new PM put the name row aside.

"I believe this interim government should not cope with the dispute. It is not bold that the issue is put on the shoulders of a man who will be on the post for only three months, for entirely different reasons and purpose", added Karatzaferis.

He forecast that the judgement of the Hague-based International Court of Justice would not be satisfactory for Greece, reminding that he had asked last year that the country found a way to pull out from the process.

In addition, new Foreign Minister Stavros Dimas referred to the Greek red lines, similar to his predecessors.

"Our position is well-known and crystal clear. Greece has made the necessary steps. The international community recognizes the commitment by Athens and the responsibility of Prime Minister Gruevski over the current impasse in the dispute", stressed Dimas.