Skopje - The European Union's top diplomat Javier Solana said Tuesday in Skopje the European Commission was about to scrap visas for Macedonian citizens as well as for Serbians and Montenegrans, local media reported.

"I bring good news for your country and the citizens," Solana told reporters in Skopje where he arrived as a part of his tour of western Balkans during which he promised improved travel conditions.

Solana arrived from Belgrade, where on Monday he also promised Serbian citizens "good news" about visa free traveling.

"In a few days you will receive very good news on the visa regime liberalization for the Serbian people," Solana said after meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic.

Local reports said the European Commission was expected already on Tuesday to adopt recommendations for lifting visa restrictions for Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro.

Solana underlined the importance of lifting visa requirements, particularly for young people, in the context of EU integration of the Balkans.

After meeting Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Solana also commented on the dispute between Macedonia and Greece over the name Macedonia, which is shared by a northern province of Greece and its neighbour to the north. The 18-year-old name row has blocked Skopje's bid to join the EU and NATO.

"The name issue is an important issue that must be settled," Solana said adding that the dispute should be solved under the UN-led process.

Responsibility for negotiations did not lie with the EU, "but if we can help we will," he was quoted as saying.

UN special envoy Matthew Nimitz has proposed the name "Republic of northern Macedonia" for the country currently known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Solana was expected to visit Kosovo later Tuesday for talks with tiop officials. (dpa)