Macedonian, Greek leaders see Nobel Peace Prize nomination

SKOPJE, Macedonia (AP) — A former Nobel Peace Prize winner says the prime ministers of Macedonia and Greece will be nominated for the 2019 peace prize for their efforts to end a 27-year dispute over Macedonia's name.

Tunisian businesswoman Wided Bouchamaoui, a joint winner of the 2015 prize, announced her intention to nominate Macedonia's Zoran Zaev and Greece's Alexis Tsipras. Speaking Tuesday in the Macedonian capital of Skopje, she says the name deal signed in June is "an extremely important process."

The agreement would see Macedonia renamed "North Macedonia," and Greece lifting its objections to its northern neighbor joining NATO and the European Union. Greece says Macedonia's current name implies claims on Greek territory and heritage. Macedonia denies that.

Macedonia is now ratifying the deal after which Greece will have to sign off on it.