The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s (FYROM) finance ministry reported difficulties in ongoing negotiations to resolve a dispute regarding the terms of operation of the country’s oil refinery OKTA and Greece’s Hellenic Petroleum, which holds a majority interest. “The Greek side did not accept the government’s proposals for a revision of certain dispute issues,” said a statement last Saturday. According to Skopje press reports, the apple of discord remains OKTA’s privileged tariff treatment in the importation of fuels. Other reports said if talks break down, the issue may be referred to international arbitration in a Paris court. On a recent visit to Skopje, Greek Development Minister Akis Tsochadzopoulos indicated a willingness to compromise.