A United Nations mediator says progress has been made in efforts to end an 18-year dispute between neighbors Greece and Macedonia that has prevented the former Yugoslav country from joining NATO. Envoy Matthew Nimetz says Greece and the former Yugoslav republic are «closer now than in the past» to reaching a deal over Macedonia's name. State-run media in Greece and Macedonia report Nimetz is proposing the name «Republic of Northern Macedonia» as a possible compromise. He met Wednesday with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis following talks in Macedonia Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.