Greece and the Macedonian Question Yesterday

About Me:

David Edenden
(My Pseudonym - "To See One Day")

Modern ethnic Macedonians refer to the two quotes below to demonstrate that ancient Macedonians were not Greek. In addition to ancient Macedonian, the language spoken by three other ancient peoples is controversial:

• Carthaginians,
• Etruscans,
• Thracians.

Demosthenes on the ethnicity of Philip, father of Alexander the Great

In the third of the Philippics, generally considered the finest of his (Demosthenes) orations, the great Athenian statesman spoke of Philip II:

"... not only no Greek, nor related to the Greeks, but not even a barbarian from any place that can be named with honors, but a pestilent knave from Macedonia, whence it was never yet possible to buy a decent slave."

Alexander The Great's Trial of General Philotas

The question of the use of the Macedonian language was raised by Alexander himself during the trial of Philotas, one of his generals accused of treason.

Alexander said to Philotas:

"The Macedonians are about to pass judgment upon you; I wish to know whether you will address them in their native tongue."
Thereupon Philotas replied:

"Besides the Macedonians there are many present who, I think, will more easily understand what I shall say if I use the same language which you have employed, for no other reason, I suppose, than in order that you speech might be understood by the greater number."
Then said the king:

"Do you not see how Philotas loathes even the language of his fatherland? For he alone disdains to learn it. But let him by all means speak in whatever way he desires, provided that you remember he holds our customs in as much abhorrence as our language."

Quintus Curtius Rufus, Alexander, VI. ix. 34 - 36

On Macedonia Matters, 1903
Krste Misirkov

Misirkov proposed the grammar of the modern Macedonian language in 1903 as a Slavic language similar to, but distinct from either Serbian or Bulgarian.

The idea that Tito invented the Macedonian language, as a communist plot in 1945, is a Greek slander that is believed my many western politicians ... I'm talking to you Barack Obama!

Macedonian "Abecedar" re-published in Greece after 81 years (1925)

Greece published this primary reader to meet minority right obligations for its ethnic Macedonian minority for the League of Nations.

It was never distributed. The Greek government changed its policy and took the line that there were no ethnic minorities in Greece. Still propagated by many journalists today ... I'm talking to you Robert D. Kaplan!

THE MACEDONIANS OF AEGEAN MACEDONIA: A BRITISH OFFICER'S REPORT, 1944
by ANDREW ROSSOS

A British SOE Officer, Captain Evans, parachuted into NAZI occupied Greek Macedonia and assessed the attitude of ethnic Macedonians in Greece.
This report would be a good starting point in the current Macedonian Greek negotiations regarding the "name" issue ... I'm talking to you Matthew Nimetz!

Here is his observation about the future of rights of ethnic Macedonians in Greece ... smart guy!

"At the same time GREECE; if she is not to be severely troubled by her MACEDONIAN minority, and also in the interests of equity, must treat that minority well; firmly, yes, but with friendship, without discrimination.

I am not sanguine of this happening. But it is not impossible".

Captain Evans, SOE, 1944

INCOMPATIBLE ALLIES: GREEK COMMUNISM AND MACEDONIAN NATIONALISM IN THE CIVIL WAR IN GREECE,1943-1949
by Andrew Rossos, University of Toronto
How bad was it for ethnic Macedonians in Greece prior to WW2, it was so bad that ... ethnic Macedonians choose the commie side, "en masse", during the Greek Civil War.

Autonomist Movements of the Slavophones in 1944: The Attitude of the Communist Party of Greece and the Protection of the Greek-Yugoslav Border
by Spyridon Sfetas
A confused ``jewel" of modern Greek historical science.

The problem for Greek scholars is, how to denounce ethnic Macedonian treason, while at the same time denying their very existence as a people. Strangely, it must be working ... I'm talking to you Christopher Hitchens!

Notice how the author describes the suppression and subsequent jailing and execution of Macedonian leadership and fighters immediately after World War II by the Yugoslav authorities because of plans for secession from Yugoslavia and unification of Macedonia.

His next paragraph turns comical with explanation that afterwards the Yugoslavs tried to ``macedonize" the population.

Basic Greek position on ethnic Macedonians

1. Greece has no ethnic minorities

2. Greece has "Slavophone" Greeks are loyal Greeks.

4. "Slavophones" speak an idiom but have no "real" language, culture of history.

5. "Slavophones" supported the Communists "en masse" during the Greek Civil War.

6. Communist promised recognition of Macedonians as a "people".

6. Greek Communist were granted amnesty and allowed to return to Greece.

7. Ethnic Macedonians Communists were not allowed to return.

8. Ethnic Macedonians who emigrated from Greece are blacklisted from returning, if they engage in Macedonian cultural activities ... such as marrying in the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

My Comments

The mistreatment of ethnic Macedonians in Greece is the inspiration for every racist, every fascist and every ethnic cleanser in the Balkans ... I'm talking to you Samantha Power!

The United States, the EU and Nato are complicit in the ongoing cultural genocide, of the Macedonian people who have lived in Greece, considered the cradle of democracy, for 1,500 years ... I'm talking to you Greek Issues Caucus! and Tom Lantos

Since Greece is a member of Nato and the EU, Greek values regarding minority rights for ethnic Macedonians in Greece are also Nato and EU values. Serbs in Kosovo who look to Nato and the EU to guarantee their rights are insane! I'm talking to you Javier Solana and Richard Holbrooke!

Greece and The Macedonian Question Today

About Me

David Edenden - My Pseudonym

My "Salade Macedoine" Politics

Websites

Rainbow - (Vinozito) European Free Alliance
(Political party of the Ethnic Macedonians in Greece)

United Macedonian Diaspora

Overview - Articles

Macedonians in Greece

Noel Malcolm's "THE NEW BULLY OF THE BALKANS " (1992)

The Spectator, 1992

"The Economist" on Macedonians in Greece (1993)

Chuck Sudetic on the "Real Macedonian Issue" Circa (1994)

New York Times (1994)

Denying Ethnic Identity: The Macedonians of Greece

Human Rights Watch 1994

"The Guardian" on Macedonian Refugees from Greece 2003

Joint History Project for the Balkans (... A Good NGO...)!

Greek Helsinki Monitor: On Macedonians in Greece (...A Good NGO ...)

"What's in a Name" Negotiations

Theodora, We hardly Knew Ye!

Matthew Nimetz, R.I.P - .June 17, 2039

Books

The Macedonian Conflict: Ethnic Nationalism in a Transnational World

Loring Danforth

Macedonia and Greece: The Struggle to Define a New Balkan Nation

By John Shea

Fields of Wheat, Hills of Blood: Passages to Nationhood in Greek Macedonia

Anastasia Karakasidou

Robert Kaplan

Why Can't Robert Kaplan Find Any Macedonians!

More Macedonians for Robert D. Kaplan

"What If Robert Kaplan ..."

Senator Barack Obama

Oprah, Obama Will Disapoint You!

Barack Obama and "The Banality of Evil"

Robert Redford: Listen Up!

I'm Not in Love With Obama

Obama Ignores Macedonian Cry, Accepts Greek Gifts

Will the Macedonian-Greek Dust-Up Sink Barack Obama

Samantha Powers, Obama's Advisor

Samantha Power - One More Time

Kosovo

Richard, It's America's Test In Kosovo, Not Russia's

Richard Holbrooke, Why Do You Think You Are God?

Basic Greek Position on Ethnic Macedonians

1. Greece has no ethnic minorities

2. Greece has "Slavophone" Greeks who are loyal Greeks.

4. "Slavophones" speak an idiom but have no "real" language, culture of history.

5. "Slavophones" supported the Communists "en masse" during the Greek Civil War.

6. Communist promised recognition of Macedonians as a "people".

6. Greek Communist were granted amnesty and allowed to return to Greece.

7. Ethnic Macedonians Communists were not allowed to return.

8. Ethnic Macedonians who emigrated from Greece are blacklisted from returning, if they engage in Macedonian cultural activities ... such as marrying in the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

My Comments

The mistreatment of ethnic Macedonians in Greece is the inspiration for every racist, every fascist and every ethnic cleanser in the Balkans ... I'm talking to you Samantha Power!

The United States, the EU and Nato are complicit in the ongoing cultural genocide, of the Macedonian people who have lived in Greece, considered the cradle of democracy, for 1,500 years ... I'm talking to you Greek Issues Caucus! and Tom Lantos

Since Greece is a member of Nato and the EU, Greek values regarding minority rights for ethnic Macedonians in Greece are also Nato and EU values. Serbs in Kosovo who look to Nato and the EU to guarantee their rights are insane! I'm talking to you Javier Solana and Richard Holbrooke!

New Macedonia Travel Book

Hidden Macedonia
Amazon.com:
by Christopher Deliso

Editorial Reviews From Amazon

Product Description

The tectonic lakes of Macedonia, Ohrid and Prespa, are among he most ancient and enthralling in the world, abundant in rare wildlife and the seat of mediaeval kingdoms, richly endowed with sacred shrines, mysteries and watery legends. In this unprecedented account of a circular summertime journey tracing the lakeshore through three countries, Greece, Albania and the Republic of Macedonia, the author seeks out the spirit of the lakes through encounters with fishermen, philosophers, archaeologists and snakes. Penetrating the surface of everyday life and also revealing the deep historical wounds and controversies that still manifest in this long-coveted land, this heartfelt travelogue is also an evocative and at times riotously funny chronicle of travels in one of the most stunning and historically significant areas in Europe- one that remains, however, still largely to be discovered.


About the Author
Christopher Deliso is an American travel writer and journalist based in Skopje, Macedonia, who has been exploring and living in the Balkans and Mediterranean Europe for almost a decade. He has published numerous travel articles in newspapers, magazines and web sites around the world and also writes for Lonely Planet on the Balkans and Greece. He also directs the Balkan-interest online magazine. He holds an MPhil with Honours in Byzantine Studies from Oxford University.

Christopher Deliso

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

A Splendid Little Journey, August 6, 2007

By	Jason B. Miko (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

While many vacationers are jetting off to the likes of London, Paris or the Caribbean, Chris Deliso opens the window on a small, relatively undiscovered part of Europe, and reveals a delightful region of beauty, charm, culture, history and warmth. The lake region of Macedonia, which includes the enchanting lakes of Ohrid and Prespa, is made available to us through this brief travelogue in which Deliso travels with both companions and his family, stopping in little out-of-the-way villages and hamlets in Greece, Albania and Macedonia. Written in an easy, almost laidback style, Deliso throws in archeology, history, art, flora, fauna, geography, gastronomy, culture and a host of other subjects as he takes his readers on bumpy roads and across the placid lakes, spending time with the hospitable and warm folks who live there. Before you're halfway through the book, you might find yourself booking a trip to Macedonia to discover for yourself a unique and unspoiled part of Europe still unknown to most Westerners.

A Hidden Jewel, August 28, 2007

By	Sonja B (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

It was such a pleasant surprise to discover that someone was bold enough to write about the ineffable beauty and spirit that is Macedonia, and particularly its lakes - and succeed in it. As soon as I received my copy of Deliso's Hidden Macedonia, I wasted no time getting into it, and found that I couldn't stop reading it until I finished it. Poetic, vivid, anecdotal and factual - truly a book I recommend to anyone who dares risk or cares to know or is curious, inclined for whatever reason, to ponder (and wonder) over a bit of land in Europe deeply steeped in history, and so naturally almost forgotten - hidden - but for Deliso's careful archaeological, historical eye for things mystical. Deliso's circular journey through three countries in the name of two lakes, Ohrid and Prespa, is one you won't forget. I'll go as far as saying that you should judge this book by its cover.

Macedonia as a Metaphor, August 12, 2007

By	Sam Vaknin "author of Malignant Self Love - N... (Skopje, Macedonia) - See all my reviews

The author, Chris Deliso, has an MPhil with Honours in Byzantine Studies from Oxford University and his credentials shine throughout the book. His erudition, depth, narration skills, and exquisite (at times, painful) sensitivity to both human and nature give rise to a resonant, synoptic, panoramic, and thrilling travelogue. Chris, an American who made Macedonia his new home, and a family friend by the name of George, a Greek philosopher, are later joined by Chris's Macedonian wife, Buba, and their son, Marko. Together, they reify the Balkans: foreign influences, internecine rivalries, the resilience and warmth of its denizens, and the brighter future that hopefully awaits them all. Their lakes are the only things that the otherwise fractious Macedonia, Greece, and Albania share. The two and then the four tour the shores of these fabled bodies of water and get immersed in their history, archeology, politics, economy, and peoples. Edge-of-the seat situations lifted straight out of Expressionistic horror movies (the unforgettable foray to the Macedonian settlements on the Albanian side of Lake Prespa) alternate with sun and shimmering water and numerous heart-rending human interest stories as various cameo-protagonists struggle to maintain a modicum of human dignity in the face of the overwhelming odds of both gory history and destitution. Chris studies them all with subtlety and with a curious mix of scientific detachment and empathetic compassion. He is a genuine lover of humanity. His sometimes cynical observations are a mere defense mechanism against the pain and hopelessness that pervade this hitherto doomed region that he so clearly is enamoured with. Thus, Hidden Macedonia combines Dame Rebecca West's penetrating (but rarely merciless) insight with Robert Kaplan's narrative excellence. It joins this rarefied bookshelf as an equal. A must for anyone interested not only in the Balkans and in conflict and peace studies- but in what it is that makes us human and forms our personal identity. Sam Vaknin,

Kosovo: The Fuse on the Balkan Powder Keg

By David Edenden

Below is an brief analysis by Stratfor of the "independence for Kosovo is inevitable" doctrine followed by the United States and the EU. They hope that it will not destabilize Macedonia, but have not given any thought of what to do if all hell breaks lose. This was the same policy process by which the Americans invaded Iraq.

I have come th the conclusion that some of the leading policy makers regarding the Balkans are just plain dumber than dirt. That's the only explanation that makes any sense..

If things go badly in the Balkans after Kosovo's independence, no doubt the pundits in Washington, London and Paris will shake their heads and say "wow look at those nut cases in the Balkans".

Kosovo: The Fuse on the Balkan Powder Keg:
Stratfor, Nov 16, 2007

Macedonia

The militants in Kosovo have also been linked to Albanians crossing the border from Macedonia. Albanians are the ethnic minority within Macedonia but hold the majority of the northwestern part of the country. The Macedonian-Kosovar border is mountainous and incredibly porous, leading to large border crossings that the already weak Macedonian military cannot prevent. These Albanians and Kosovar Albanians have been seen actively engaging in violence on both sides of the border, proving that the wounds from the 2001 Macedonia conflict -- in which the Albanians within the country began attacking Macedonian forces -- are still fresh.

Internally, Macedonia has been politically unstable because of the main Albanian party actively pushing against the government as it keeps its eyes on Kosovo. Macedonia is trying to keep a lid on any large-scale violence because of its aspirations to join the EU, but hostilities have broken out within Macedonia's borders. On Nov. 7, Macedonian police killed four Albanians in an operation called Mountain Storm on Mount Sar Planina. Macedonian police said the Albanians were planning a major terrorist act that would destabilize both Kosovo and Macedonia.

A Few Good Reasons to Visit in Old Bitola

A Cultured Café in Old Bitola
11/22/2007 (Balkanalysis.com)
By Christopher Deliso

Bitola, Macedonia’s lively southern second city, is bursting with cafés and bars, most centered around its central pedestrian thoroughfare, the Sirok Sokak, lined with neoclassical buildings and foreign flags hearkening back to Bitola’s heyday as the ‘city of consuls’ in the Ottoman Empire.

Today, however, most of the town’s cafés are more or less the same, modern and slick, trendy but with little spirit. Nevertheless, a few stand out, such as the three-year-old Café-Gallery Van, nestled in Bitola’s Old Bazaar. The inspiration of its owner, Vladimir Altiparmak, this cheerful place occupies the front room of a restored 200-year-old house, and is decorated with various artworks and photos, while classical music or jazz play softly in the background. The congenial Vladimir, who comes from one of the oldest Jewish families in Bitola, sought with his little café “to bring back the spirit and tradition of old Bitola that was destroyed in the old [Communist] system.”

Indeed, the Bitola that lingers in the imagination of Vladimir Altiparmak is that of the city before Communism took hold, and before World War II decimated the city’s traditional cultures. In 1943, Bitola’s Jewish community was all but destroyed when over 7,000 Macedonian Jews were deported to the Nazi death camps by the occupying Bulgarian army. At the time, Bitola was one of the cities in the southern Balkans with a notable Sephardic Jewish population; these people, descendents of Spanish Jews taken in by the Ottomans after the Inquisition in 1492, would play the major role in commerce and culture in not only Bitola, but Thessaloniki to the south, in today’s Greece. In the pre-war years, over 30 Ladino-language newspapers and magazines were published in Thessaloniki and read widely in Bitola, Stip, Skopje and other Macedonian towns.

Vladimir’s father, Boris, was educated in a French school in Thessaloniki in 1931. “I grew up under the old European cultural values of the time,” says Vladimir, adding that his father had guided the providential creation of Pelister National Park in the mountains above Bitola in 1948- the first such national park in Yugoslavia.

The building that now houses the Café-Gallery Van was in Vladimir’s family until the turbulence of World War II, after which it was claimed by the new Yugoslav state of Josip Broz Tito. After the end of Communism in 1991, and the independence of Macedonia, the Altiparmak family won back the 18^th-century building in the denationalization process.

Vladimir Altiparmak seeks “to bring back the spirit and tradition of old Bitola” with his Café-Gallery Van.

However the building was in such a bad state that Vladimir had to really think about whether it was worth salvaging. After he decided to do so, he then had to think about what use he could make of it. In the end, his desire to help preserve the aesthetic of the Bitola of old led him to come up with the idea of creating a public space that would capture the spirit of the bygone city in both its architecture and exhibits.

When the determined renovator got down to work, however, he found that he was fighting not only a decrepit house, but also nature itself- oddly enough, when Vladimir went to cut through a wall, he found a thriving tree growing right up through the center of it. “The wall was pregnant,” he laughs. A photo now hangs on the wall nearby, attesting to the discovery.

Along with such photos of ten years worth of renovations, the café’s décor also includes very old family photos, paintings, church icons and other assorted displays set around an appealing interior of Byzantine brickwork, small bar and cozy tables, with a view of the shopping street of the old bazaar right outside. It’s a relaxing place, perfect for a mid-morning coffee and conversation, and is also used for occasional performances and events.

Visiting the café and speaking with Vladimir, whose family roots are from the Bitola and Krusevo areas of southern Macedonia, also brings up some unusual details from Macedonian history; his great-uncle, Teohar Neshkov, briefly became ‘minister of finance’ in the short-lived Krusevo Republic, the outcome of the 1903 revolt against the Ottomans. However, after less than two weeks Krusevo was overrun, the republic was destroyed, “and [Teohar] was cooked in an oven by the Turks,” laments Vladimir. The image of the dignified but ill-fated Teohar is captured in an old photo on display at the café.

For Vladimir, the little gallery-café represents the first of what he hopes will be many similar revitalization project in the old market area of Bitola, a neglected but still somewhat atmospheric place. “Most buildings in the Old Bazaar are still in bad condition because the state didn’t care about their upkeep,” he says. “But the neighborhood would not have value if the architecture is not preserved.”

However, it’s up to the owners of individual properties to make progress, as the city still does not have any plan for renovating with preservation of the old style in mind. And so, for now anyway, Café-Gallery Van stands out as the one place in the neighbourhood with a touch of singularity and culture. Nevertheless, the simple fact of its existence serves as an example of what the area, and Bitola as a whole, can aspire towards.

Details

Café-Gallery Van

+389 (0)47 223-890

Ulitsa Dalmatinska 29, Old Bazaar, Bitola

U.S.-Greece Relations and Regional Issues

By David Edenden

This testimony by Nicholas Burns is good news about the Bush administrations continued support for Macedonia, especially for its' Nato membership being unrelated to the "name issue".

Now for those who are faithful readers of this blog, you know I am a Nato skeptic, so I hope thing work out for the best.

I just hope Macedonia has a "plan B" if Greece does use its veto. My plan ... have Putin on speed dial.

U.S.-Greece Relations and Regional Issues:
R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Testimony on U.S.-Greek Relations Before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe
Washington, DC
November 14, 2007

Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski and Nicholas Burns

In the same vein, the United States and Greece share an interest in a prosperous Macedonia, one that is stable economically, politically and militarily. Macedonia has made great strides in these areas and has participated in NATO’s Membership Action Plan for a number of years. This does not mean that Macedonia is guaranteed an invitation to join NATO at the Bucharest Summit this April. Our firm view is that Macedonia should be judged strictly on its merits, specifically whether it has met NATO’s performance based standards.

Macedonia should not be denied an invitation to NATO for any reason other than failure to meet the substantive qualifications for entry. In Greece, some have raised the possibility of vetoing an invitation to Macedonia unless the “name issue” is resolved. While the United States agrees on the importance of resolving the name issue, we do not think that disagreement on the name alone is reason to block Macedonia’s membership in international organizations.

At the same time, the name “Macedonia” is close to the heart of Greek citizens and is central and significant to the history of Greece itself. The United States is firmly committed to the UN process led by Ambassador Matt Nimetz to resolve this issue – as well as adherence to the 1995 Interim Accord, which allows Macedonia to enter regional and international organizations under the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. We believe our NATO ally Greece and Macedonia are fully capable of working quietly, constructively and directly with each other and within the UN framework to reach a solution. We ask that the Macedonian government make a special effort to work with the Greek government to find a solution with which both countries can live. We ask for a spirit of compromise on both sides. The United States cannot impose a solution on either side. Finding a solution acceptable by both countries is something they need to do themselves.

It often takes considerable time for countries to join NATO. Spain didn’t join until 23 years after NATO was created. It took the Baltic countries 11 years to join after their independence. But in every instance of a new member joining NATO, enlargement has benefited the Alliance and advanced peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. I think we all agree it is in everyone’s interest to see Macedonia become a stable and cooperative neighbor of Greece and part of the NATO alliance.

Utrinski Vesnik on Macedonian Foreign Policy

By David Edenden

The following commentary, "Macedonia's Position Jeopardized," by Sonja Kramarska, appeared in the 14 November edition of the Macedonian newspaper Utrinski Vesnik.

I am not so hard on Macedonian governments because they are sleeping with vampires.

BBC Monitoring
15 November 2007

SKOPJE, Macedonia | Macedonia's international position has been seriously jeopardized. On one side we face intensive Greek pressure, on the second is Kosovo, whose unresolved status threatens to bring about a new explosion in the Balkans, and on the third, are the unfulfilled obligations toward NATO and the European Union, which may torpedo Macedonia's 15-year-old foreign policy plans.

Branko Crvenkovski

In view of this, the Macedonian leadership has the right to be concerned about the country's future and its Euro-Atlantic prospects. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland has voiced the United States' concern about the stalled reforms in Macedonia and the absence of political dialogue. She clearly pointed to the criteria that Macedonia needed to meet if it wanted to shift matters to its benefit. She asked Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to implement the May agreement that he made with Ali Ahmeti and resolve the status of the former ONA [National Liberation Army, UCK in Albanian] fighters. She asked the state leadership to develop a clear strategy regarding the country's future actions, adding that she expected [President Branko] Crvenkovski to use his authority and restart the stalled political dialogue.

However, a number of issues remain unclear. Did the U.S. ambassador to NATO come on a mission to prepare [Macedonia] for a compromise with Greece regarding our country's constitutional name? A senior official from the ruling coalition and leader of one of the parties participating in the government has said this on two occasions, and no refutation has yet come from the other participants in the talks. The party leader claims that the sole objective of Nuland's visit to the country was to advise its political leaders to start preparing the ground for a compromise with the Greeks.

If this is true, the state leadership should not keep silent. It should make public all the details regarding Nuland's visit. Nuland's post is important for Macedonia's Euro- Atlantic prospects and this gives an even greater weight to her assessments and positions about the situation in our country. If there were any warnings in this respect, it would be better to make them public sooner rather than later, because the price of the country's foreign-policy defeat can only increase afterward.

Therefore, it is disgusting and uncouth of the state leadership to clash over the interpretations of Nuland's criticism. The heated arguments exchanged last weekend [10-11 November] suggest that the distress was not so much due to the guest's slaps as it was due to the slaps to be received in public. Will somebody's popularity decrease or increase after confronting truth? What is the price of regaining consciousness and accepting reality?

It is surprising that even after the unpleasant meeting with the U.S. ambassador, the political leaders in the country have not taken any action to show that they got the message. The direct and unambiguous recommendations have failed to mobilize the country's leadership toward sprinting until April next year. Instead, a pause and a thunderous silence have ensued, with Gruevski's denials of any criticism and Crvenkovski's insistence on the opposite being the only audible sound.

Nevertheless, the public has no doubts about the collision in the country's foreign policy. Kosovo is preparing to declare unilateral independence and Macedonia lacks a strategy on how to defend itself from internal pressure and recognize the former Serbian province as an independent state. [Greek Foreign Minister] Dora Bakoyianni has been touring the European political centers and seeking (and receiving) support for her demand that Macedonia change its name if it wants to avoid Greece's veto on its NATO accession.

On top of all, the country has received negative assessments in the European Commission's report regarding its progress toward the European Union, along with a strong message that the political criteria for NATO accession are not being met either.

Urgent solutions are needed for these issues before it is too late.


[Source: Utrinski Vesnik, Skopje, in Macedonian 13 November 2007.]
"Foreign Policy Blunders"

Kljusev Visits Northern Cyprus

By David Edenden

I approve of this display of independence. It shows Macedonia playing offense. I am glad the Greek government is upset. It will give them something to think about whne they consider using their veto on Macedonia's Nato membership bid.

"Academician on private trip to Turkish Cyprus, Kljusev makes Greeks angry
Macedonian_News_Service : Message: Daily Bulletin:

Nikola Kljusev, Phd
Former Macedonian Prime Minister
(27 January 1991 – 17 August 1992.)

Macedonian Government claims that Nikola Kljusev is not its official representative, however Cyprus authorities announced protest Published on 15.11.2007 in DNEVNIK on page 1

The visit of academician Nikola Kljusev to the Turkish part of Cyprus on a private invitation to attend the annual celebration of the forming of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus upset the Greeks. Although Kljusev did not go as a representative of the Government nor the Foreign Investment Agency, the Greek media informed about the news as “a new provocation from Skopje”

The media in Northern Cyprus informed that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Turgay Avci received Macedonian delegation led by Nikola Kljusev, first Prime Minister of Macedonia, president of the Centre for Strategic Research within MANU and president of the Management Committee of the Foreign Investment Agency.

According to the media, Kljusev said that country is prepared to undertake steps for improving of the cooperation with Northern Cyprus."

US Department of State Approves Brodec

Makfax vesnik:

Washington /14/11/ 2007

US Department of State is pleased that a successful law enforcement operation was conducted by a multiethnic police force in the village of Brodec, Macedonia.

"This appears to have been a successful law enforcement operation conducted by a multiethnic police force against a group, including several wanted criminals, some of them recently escaped from a Kosovo prison," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said on Tuesday.

Asked by a Greek journalist to comment the issue of alleged Wahhabist ties, Mr. Casey said "We don't have any credible information that the group had such ties, but we're pleased that they nonetheless have been arrested and that some of the materials they were carrying were confiscated.

"We are just pleased that a successful law enforcement operation took place and we certainly encourage the authorities to move quickly to restore normalcy to the village where these events took place," State Department's deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.

Stéphane Dion to Macedonians: Drop Dead!

By David Edenden

Below is a Liberal press release regarding Canada's recognition of Macedonia. I have ceased to be appalled or amazed at the action of politicians to pander to politically powerful interest groups, in this case the Greek lobby.

What I have tried to do is understand the mechanics of the process by which reasonably intelligent and thoughtful academics like Stéphane Dion and Michael Ignatieff can turn into rabid appeasers of racism without a second thought.

It's a mystery I tell ya!

Conservatives Unnecessarily Divide Canadians and Bypass the United Nations on FYROM Question
Liberal.ca :: Media Releases:

September 25, 2007

OTTAWA – The Conservative government’s decision to recognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the Republic of Macedonia is yet another example of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s simplistic and unilateral approach to foreign policy, Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Ujjal Dosanjh said today.

Stéphane Dion to Greek Lobbyists: Thank you for using Vaseline!

“Mr. Harper's decision to unilaterally bypass the process of negotiation endorsed by the United Nations to deal with this contentious issue has unnecessarily divided Canadians and shows his complete disregard for the nuances of international affairs,” said Mr. Dosanjh. "Canada has no place unilaterally inserting itself in an ongoing debate between other nations."

The Balkan nation has been known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) by the United Nations since its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The nation and others in the region have been involved in UN-led negotiations for a mutually acceptable name since 1993.

The previous Liberal government respected the international compromise that led to the use of the name Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia. While the issue of this name continues to be the subject of on-going negotiations, the Liberals continue to respect the decision reached and endorsed by the UN.

Now, in what they have characterized as an administrative move, the Conservatives have decided to follow President George W. Bush’s policy to bypass the United Nations-led negotiations and unilaterally use the name the Republic of Macedonia.

“There has been no proper notification of this change – we had to learn about this development from a foreign government rather than our own. This is not a responsible way for the Government of Canada to conduct foreign affairs,” said Mr. Dosanjh.

Lise Bissonnette and Ethnic Identity

By David Edenden

Lise Bissonnette was a former editor of the leading Quebec newspaper Le Devoir. Years ago, I saw an interview while she was promoting her first novel. She was explaining the identify of the French speaking people of Quebec.

She said that her grandparents saw themselves as "Canadienne" while the others (les autres) were "English".

Her parents saw themselves as French "Canadienne" while the others were "English Canadian".

She however only thinks of herself as Quebecois while the others are Canadian. She has little identity as being Canadian.

In three generations the French speaking people went from "Canadienne" to "Quebecois"

That is why, when Greek politicians and intellectuals try to slander the ethnic Macedonian identity, I am not too perturbed.

The Toronto Star Likes Macedonians

By David Edenden

An old article about how the Toronto Star pushed for Macedonian recognition circa 1993. Nice to know who are the friends of justice and human rights.

Ryerson Review of Journalism
Spring 2002

Under (Haroon ) Siddiqui, the Star became an opinion leader on many issues. With quiet pride, he says, "We were the first newspaper in Canada, if not the whole Western world, who called for the recognition of Macedonia as a separate state, despite huge opposition from Greek-Canadian readers. We were among the first, if not the first, to call for humanitarian international intervention in Bosnia. We were among the first to write for international intervention in Kosovo. We were among the first to call editorially for humanitarian intervention in Somalia. And all these things came about."

Ivan Mihailoff Dies in Rome at 94 in 1990

By David Edenden

The New York Times noted the passing of Vancho Mihailoff in 1990. It would have been interesting to mention that Macedonia existed at that time as a constituent republic of Yugoslavia. I really don't know much about the details of his life. A good MA thesis from a Macedonian perspective for someone to do.

Ivan Mihailoff Dies in Rome at 94; Macedonian Rebel in Futile Fight -
New York Times: September 6, 1990

By GLENN FOWLER

LEAD: Ivan Mihailoff, a Macedonian revolutionary who waged a futile lifelong struggle to free his native land on the Balkan Peninsula from domination by Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Yugoslavia, died yesterday in Rome, where he had lived since 1947. He was 94 years old.

In the 1920's and early 1930's, when he waged terrorist attacks on Bulgarian Government forces from a mountain hideout, Mr. Mihailoff was known as the ''bandit king'' of Macedonia. His Interior Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, or IMRO, was said to have killed 3,500 of its enemies in a 12-year struggle that included factional fighting among rival Macedonian revolutionaries.

Among the killings was the 1925 assassination of Todor Panitza, a fellow Macedonian leader, by Mr. Mihailoff's wife, Menicha Karnitcheva, in Vienna. Mr. Mihailoff himself acknowledged that he had ordered the execution of Alexander Protogueroff in 1928 in Sofia. The victim was another Macedonian chieftain, who had been held responsible for the assassination of Todor Alexandroff, the top leader of the revolutionaries, four years earlier.

Declared Outlaws by Bulgaria

The Mihailoffs contended that many of the killings for which their organization was blamed had in fact been carried out by Serbians and Bulgarians seeking to suppress Macedonia's independence movement. The Mihailoffs, declared outlaws by Bulgaria, fled to Turkey in 1934.

Turkey, then at odds with Bulgaria, refused to extradite the Mihailoffs, who spent the rest of their lives advocating Macedonian liberation from abroad. Mr. Mihailoff's wife died in the 1950's. After World War II, he continued his struggle for Macedonian independence without success. He sought help for his cause from national leaders and the Vatican, and wrote a book, ''A Free and Independent Macedonia - A Switzerland in the Balkans.''

He also wrote four volumes of an autobiography and was at work on the fifth when he died.

Mr. Mihailoff is survived by a brother, Atanas, of Sofia, Bulgaria.

Srgian Kerim Rules the World!

By David Edenden

Nice article about Srgian Kerim the president of the UN General Assembly and former Macedonian Foreign Minister. Not talk about FYROM, Greece, or human rights for Macedonians in Greece ... but that's OK. All we need to know is that for one year, a Macedonian is going to rule the world!

Balkan diplomat seeks to open UN doors
BBC, 8 November 2007

Srgjan Kerim is the 62nd president of the United Nations General Assembly - it is where all 192 countries of the UN have a voice, but is often criticised for being an ineffective talking shop.

Mr Kerim told the BBC UN correspondent Laura Trevelyan how he wants to make the General Assembly relevant during his term as president, which ends next September.

---

Srgjan Kerim has little patience with the institutional corrosion of the United Nations.

Mr Kerim has Security Council reform on his agenda

Take the glass door from his office, which opens onto a balcony with a panoramic view of the East River.

"I asked them to open the door for me because I wanted to breathe fresh air, and not artificial air, which is very natural because I'm a human being, not a robot, and then they told me they cannot open it because it is corroded," he said.

"And my answer to that was, 'No, the door has not corroded, the heads of the people here have corroded.' Because it takes months and months to do very simple things."

The UN maintenance men did not realise they were dealing with a Balkan politician. That door is now open.

Balkan politician

But can the ex-foreign minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia be as effective in the United Nations General Assembly?

You have to deal with topics like climate change, counter-terrorism, financing for development Srgjan Kerim

The General Assembly has 192 members, and unlike the UN Security Council, its resolutions are not legally binding.

So it can seem like a highly politicised talking shop, which debates endlessly, where the developing world and the developed world lock horns.

The president's job is to bang heads together and get things done.

Mr Kerim says: "Only the relevant agenda can make you relevant. The relevant agenda in this very moment is that you have to deal with topics like climate change, counter-terrorism, financing for development, the implementation of the millennium development goals, and management reform."

That is an ambitious list. On climate change, for example, Mr Kerim's organising debates on the topic - including one with the small island states at the UN, who are affected by rising sea temperatures.

The political negotiations on a new international agreement curbing polluting emissions begin at Bali in December.

So what will General Assembly debates actually achieve?

"I think it will be good for the negotiations because it will bring up many arguments, and cover many relevant issues - at the end of the day, you can call it a positive pressure," Mr Kerim says.

Reform attempt

Diplomats predict that during Mr Kerim's time as president, which ends next September, there will be a further attempt to get agreement on how to reform the UN security council.

Reforming makes sense only if you achieve by that more transparency Srgjan Kerim

The victors of the Second World War, the UK, the United States, Russia, China and France, are the permanent members of the council with the power to veto decisions.

Europe is over-represented, while Africa, Latin America, and most of Asia do not even get a look in.

So will Security Council reform actually happen this time? Mr Kerim chooses his words carefully.

"It is very relative. Reforming makes sense only if you achieve by that more transparency, more efficiency, and you reflect what is today's world situation."

The General Assembly must vote for security council reform with a two thirds majority - so does the president sense the mood is in favour?

"In general terms, yes, but I would be very cautious with making forecasts of any kind."

Mr Kerim's career as a Balkans politician and diplomat has given him a lot of experience of crisis management.

He has learned that "even bad compromises are better than conflicts."

As president of the General Assembly, he sees his job as being rather like piloting a tanker - "you have to be very careful that you move it in the right direction, and not lose navigation."

If he can navigate the General Assembly towards reaching a historic agreement on security council reform, that would be an achievement indeed.

Is Putin to Blame for This?

By David Edenden,

Because I have psychic powers, I predict that some lame US pundit will blame Putin for this oil spill. Stay tuned.

Russian oil tanker splits in half:
BBC NEWS | Europe |

Nov 11, 2007
"About 1,300 tonnes of fuel oil has leaked near the Black Sea after a Russian oil tanker split in half - in a storm that sank two other cargo ships."

Tell Me Lies

By David Edenden

This is how the US and the EU make foreign policy in the Balkans.

Tell Me Lies (Fleetwood Mac) (Youtube)

If I could turn the page
In time then Id rearrange just a day or two
Close my, close my, close my eyes

But I couldn't find a way
So Ill settle for one day to believe in you
Tell me, tell me, tell me lies

Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you cant disguise
(you cant disguise, no you cant disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies

Although I'm not making plans
I hope that you understand theres a reason why
Close your, close your, close your eyes

No more broken hearts
Were better off apart lets give it a try
Tell me, tell me, tell me lies

Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you cant disguise
(you cant disguise, no you cant disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies

If I could turn the page
In time then Id rearrange just a day or two
Close my, close my, close my eyes

But I couldn't find a way
So Ill settle for one day to believe in you
Tell me, tell me, tell me lies

Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you cant disguise
(you cant disguise, no you cant disguise)

Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you cant disguise
(you cant disguise, no you cant disguise)
Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(tell me, tell me lies)

Janusz Bugajski has a Problem

By David Edenden

This is another old anti-Russian article by our friend Janusz Bugajski, disguised as an analysis of the the independence of Kosovo. There is so much bullshit here, I could do a line by line analysis ... however ... been there, done that

It struck me, as I slowly read the article, was that Janusz thinks that the US does not have enough problems and enough enemies in the world:

Al Qaeda and the War on Terror,
War in Iraq,
War in Afganistan,
Pakistan,
Iranian nuclear weapons
North Korean nuclear weapons,
Hugo Chavez,
"the Middle East"
-Israel and Palestine
-Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan,
-Syria,
-Lebanon,
oil at $5.00 a gallon
Britney Spear's custody battle. 

On the other hand, Janusz may be having withdrawal pains since no one cares about his opinion on Russia, Kosovo or US leadership in Europe since that is sooooo 1989. I suggest counseling ... for Janusz Bugajski.

Kosovo as part of Russia's design
Washington Times
August 3. 2007

Janusz Bugajski - For the Russian administration the Kosovo imbroglio has developed into an important strategic weapon. Due to the indecision exhibited by Western powers in confirming Kosovo's final status, Moscow views Kosovo as a valuable boost for its regional and global ambitions. By effectively vetoing Kosovo's supervised independence under the Western-sponsored Ahtisaari plan and maintaining an indefinite status quo in the region, Russia raises its international stature in several ways.

First, by denying statehood for Kosovo, the Kremlin can claim Russia is a major defender of international legality by its insistence on working through the United Nations Security Council. Of course, Russia would not allow the UNSC to interfere in its own neighborhood; for example, by approving a U.N. mission in territories that Moscow covets in Moldova and Georgia, let alone in pro-independence Chechnya.

Russia exploits the hesitation of the Bush administration to bypass the U.N., as it did before launching the Iraqi war. The U.S. seeks to rebuild its alliances and does not want to be condemned again as a hegemonic unilateralist. Meanwhile, many European Union governments do not want to act outside the U.N. framework as this could discredit their own global influence.

Second, Russia is posing as a promoter of multilateralism, where the U.N. process can serve its interests and undercut those of the U.S. Multilateralism can be a cover for inaction as multilateral institutions such as the U.N. are not only slow and cumbersome in making decisions but operate according to the lowest common denominator where the resistance of one capital can deny the interests of the majority.

Third, Moscow is posturing as a staunch protector of state sovereignty and national integrity by opposing the imposed breakup of a U.N. member state, Serbia. It thereby appeals to many U.N. members, especially authoritarian governments who preserve territories primarily by bullets and not ballots. At the same time, the U.S. is cast by Moscow as a maverick interfering in the internal affairs of allegedly vulnerable victims.

Simultaneously, Russian support for minority separatism in Moldova and Georgia and its manipulation of Russian ethnic grievances against indigenous governments in the Baltic States is depicted as a defense of human rights and valid support for self-determination.

Fourth, Kosovo forms part of a wider strategic agenda enabling Russia to elevate its international position, interpose in Balkan developments, promote splits within the EU, aggravate weaknesses in Western decisionmaking and construct a Eurasian "pole" as a counterbalance to the United States.

For the Putin administration, the birth of new pro-American states and the expansion of democracies in former communist territories presents a long-term threat to Russia's strategic designs. Democratic governments invariably seek membership in NATO and the EU to consolidate and enhance the reform process and provide permanent security and the assure independence. For Moscow, such steps undercut its influences in neighboring countries, shrink its regional power projection, and retard its ambitions as a revived superpower.

Russia feels more confident in realizing its aspirations where its neighbors are either predictable authoritarian states, isolated and marginalized countries with populist governments, weak states internally divided that cannot qualify for NATO or EU membership, or countries ruled by outright anti-American governments. A "frozen conflict" in Kosovo thereby reinforces Moscow's broader strategic objectives.

In addition, the Kremlin fears that an independent and pro-Western Kosovo may become a potential attraction for nations in the north Caucasus that increasingly resent centralized rule from Moscow and may seek their own statehood. The wide perception of Kosovo as a "Muslim" entity feeds Russia's anxieties that Kosovo may act as a model among its own Muslim populations. Hence, Kremlin propaganda depicts Kosovars as fundamentalists and terrorists to undercut international sympathy and support for the aspiring state.

Given the current feebleness of Western strategy, there is little reason for Russia to compromise over any plan for Kosovo, however many amendments are offered by Washington and Brussels. Opposition to the Ahtisaari plan has become a measure of Russia's newly found strength from which it is unlikely to back down unless some major concessions are offered or strategic retreats are initiated by the White House in other arenas.

In such circumstances, the U.N. Security Council process not only blocks Kosovo's statehood and may hinder the progress of Euro-Atlantic integration for the Western Balkans, but also allows Russia to restore its position as the pre-eminent anti-American power and a pretender to international leadership.

Unless the trans-Atlantic alliance stands firm and united to implement a credible plan for Kosovo's independence, Russia will increasingly benefit from Western division and indecision.

Janusz Bugajski is director of the New European Democracies Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Truth on the Kurds from the NYTimes

By David Edenden

This is quite a remarkable few sentences about the plight of Kurds in Turkey which are rarely discussed by the main stream media, in the same way that the plight of Macedonians in Greece is rarely discussed.

I should be satisfied with Sabrina's efforts, but I am not. What is really interesting to me is for her to interview all the posers working for those pseudo-human rights groups such as Albright, Bugajski, and Gareth Evans. What were they doing when the Turks were putting the boots to the Kurds. Now that's news!

As Kurds’ Status Improves, Support for Militants Erodes in Turkey -
New York Times:

"By SABRINA TAVERNISE
Published: November 2, 2007

KIZILTEPE, Turkey, Oct. 31 — Ten years ago, Turkey ran the Kurdish region here in its southeast like a police state. All signs of Kurdish identity — the language, music, national dress — were strictly banned and subject to punishment. Checkpoints were everywhere. Going out after dark was forbidden."

Today, Kurdish is heard on the streets and in shops, Kurdish satellite TV is legally beamed into homes, and Kurdish holidays are celebrated publicly. The improvements occurred after a 25-year war for Kurdish rights subsided, and are largely a result of legal changes Turkey made to qualify for the European Union.

Let's Everyone in the Balkans Sing Kumbya

By David Edenden

Another great article on the "Joint History Project in The Balkans". These guys are on the side of the Angels, bringing all the people of the Balkans together to work on a project to dispel myths and misunderstandings.

However, the members of the Greek Issues Caucus are agents of the devil, enablers of racist stereotypes against ethnic Macedonians. See Kumbaya

To avoid 'us vs. them' in Balkans, rewrite history | csmonitor.com: "

Ask a Greek student of history, and you'll likely hear of the event as the tragic fall of a great Christian city. Ask a Turk, and you'll probably hear of the glorious conquest for a rising Muslim empire.

In this still-fragile region, history is often served up as a nationalistic tale that highlights the wrongs perpetrated by others. Now a group of historians from across the region is trying to change the way the past is taught in southeast Europe – from Croatia to Turkey – in an effort to encourage reconciliation rather than division.

'History plays an important role in shaping national identity,' said Christina Koulouri, the editor of a series of new history textbooks and a professor of history at the University of the Peloponnese in Greece. 'We want to change history teaching because we are concerned about the joint future of the Balkans and we think mutual understanding can be promoted through better history teaching.'

More than 60 scholars and teachers from around the Balkans have joined to create a new series of history books that tackle some of the most controversial periods in the region. The books, which are being translated into 10 regional languages, present history from various perspectives and excerpt historical documents to challenge interpretations of key events like the Ottoman conquest"

Macedonia on Old Maps

By David Edenden

I have taken this from a site called Macedonia on old maps.
Since the demise of Reality Macedonia, I am fearful of other sites vanishing. So, just in case, here it it as a backup. Anyone having new links to interesting maps, don't be a stranger.

Macedonia on old maps

F.W. Putzers:Historischer Schul-Atlas,1928

S.Ptolomaios:Tabula decima et Ultima Europae(Alexandria) 1477

G.Mercator: Macedonia Epirvis et Achaia, 1:1,938,000 , 37x34 cm. Duisburg, 1589

I.Laurenbergio: Macedonia Alexandri M. patria illustris. 1:550,000, 56x40cm. Amsterdam, 1647

G.Cantelli da Vignola: La Macedonia, 1:900,000, 55x41 cm,. Roma 1689

N. Sanson: Estats de l'Empire des Turqs en Europe, 1:3,704,000, 80x53 cm. Paris, 1696

G.De L'Isle: Gracia Pars Septentrionalis, 1:1,130,000, 56x45 cm. Paris, 1707

C. Price, I Maxwell, I.Senex: Turkey in Europe, 1: 1,600,00, 64x90 cm. Paris, 1712

J. Harenberg: Imperii Tvrcici Evropaei Terra in primis Graecia, 1:4,445,000,55x47cm. Nurnberg, 1741

S.Janvier: Turquie d'Europe et partie de celle d'Asie, 1:3,700,000, 50:39 cm. Paris, 1750?

V.Robert: Turquie Europeenne, 1:2,800,000, 42x44 cm. Paris, 1775

A New Map of Turkey in Europe, 1:2,840,000, 56x56 cm. London; St.Petersburg, 1789

F. Bianconi: Carte commerciale de la province do Macedoine, 1:1,000,000, 48x37 cm. Paris, 1885

Makfax Spreads Greek Propaganda Again

By David Edenden

These Greek politicians should have their feet to the fire explaining their position of human rights for Macedonians in Greece. This article is worse that a waste of time. It is Greek propaganda pure and simple and it is shameful that Makfax is spreading it without comment.

Greece and Macedonia to communicate as friends
Makfax vesnik
Skopje /07/11/ 16:53

"We should increase the level of trust between Macedonia and Greece in the spirit of good neighborly relations and talk to each other like friends."

This is the key message of Alexandros Alavanos, the President of the Greek Coalition of the Leftists and Progress (Synaspismos), who held talks with Macedonian state officials in Skopje today.

"We don't share the same position on some important issues, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't sit down at the same table and discuss as friends the regional and bilateral problems," Alavanos said after the meetings.

He added that all contacts among political parties, civic organizations and local authorities would be useful to create a climate of confidence "in order to reach a joint solution."

"The President of Synaspismos stressed that the dialogue is the only way to overcome the problems and differences on any issue," says the announcement released by the Cabinet of the Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski after the meeting with Alavanos.

The Greek MP also held talks with the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, representatives of SDSM and of the Socialist Party of Macedonia.

Some EU and Nato Countries "Say" Macedonia

By David Edenden

This is an article from September from the Greek daily Kathimerini. What struck me was that Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Estonia already recognize Macedonia by its name, thereby breaking EU solidarity of a foreign affairs issue.

What this all means, I don't know.

Greece should assent with bad compromise Athens
Kathimerini via Makfax vesnik:
Friday, 28.09.2007

Long is the list of countries that are about to recognize Macedonia's constitutional name, and Greece should resign to fate with unfavorable compromise on the name issue, Kathimerini daily said. The pro-government Kathimerini daily says in the footsteps of Canada many countries will recognize the country's constitutional name, including South Korea, Indonesia and one Scandinavian country.

Greece's allies in the European Union (Britain, France, Germany), side-by-side secretly and silently did what Canada had done officially.

Other countries, such as Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Estonia, had already recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name,' Kathimerini said. The paper regrets that Athens failed to convince anybody, not even the 'Cyprus brothers', over Greece's position on the name issue.

In the current development of events - Macedonia's likely membership in NATO and the Kosovo status settlement - Greece turns its back and we should all assent with the idea that an unfavorable compromise will be imposed on us, the pro-government daily Kathimerini said. /end/"