The Macedonian Tendency: September 2011

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Michael Ignatieff and the Banality of Evil


By David Edenden
Below is my comment on the Slate article by Michael Ignatieff, How To Learn the Language of Evil.

Michael Ignatieff

Michael, please rewrite this essay, using yourself, as former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, as the poster boy for evil.

You and your party militantly and aggressively adopted the Greek position on the "what's in a name dispute" between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia. For what ... less than one percent of the vote ... that is evil.

Greece is trying to destroy ethnic Macedonian culture in the Greek province of Macedonia. You implicitly support this ... for what ... less than one percent of the vote ... that is evil.

Greece is trying to force the Republic of Macedonia the change its name, its Macedonian language, its Macedonian Orthodox Church, and every singe Macedonian folk song which references Macedonia (aka wipe off the map). You implicitly support this ... for what ... less than one percent of the vote ... that is evil.

If in 1949, when Greece applied to join Nato, it was a condition of membership. that Greece grant human rights to its ethnic Macedonian minority, then minorities in the Balkans could count on Nato to protect their rights. Nato didn't ... so they couldn't.

If in 1974, when Greece applied to join the EU, it was a condition of membership, that Greece grant human rights to its ethnic Macedonian minority, then minorities in the Balkans could count on the EU to protect their rights. The EU didn't ... so they couldn't.

If in 1986, when Greece offered amnesty to communist combatants of the Greek Civil War to ethnic Greeks but not ethnic Macedonians, Nato/EU forced Greece to treat ethnic Macedonians equally, then minorities in the Balkans could count on Nato/EU to protect their rights. Nato/EU didn't ... so they couldn't.

If in 1992 when EU Commissioner Robert Banditer reported that only Slovenia and Macedonia qualified for recognition because of their commitment to rule of law and human rights ... had recognized Macedonia,  then minorities in the Balkans could count on Nato/EU to protect their rights. Nato/EU didn't (only Slovenia and Croatia were recognized) ... so they couldn't.

If in 1993 when Greece blockaded Macedonia and forced it to accept the "UN temporary compromise" of that insulting name of "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which is listed under the "T" section (more insults), the UN/Nato/EU had refused, then minorities in the Balkans could count on the UN/Nato/EU to protect their rights. The UN/Nato/EU didn't ... so they couldn't.

If Nato had eccepted Macedonia in 2010 ...
If the EU had admonished Greece in 2011...
If,If, If, If, If, If, If, If, If, If,  If,  If,  If,  If,  ...

Michael, I am sure that, someday, you will be called upon to mediate some conflict somewhere, somehow, by someone (the UN, the EU or Nato). I urge you to accept. At your first meeting get up and say these words ...
 "The UN is evil, Nato is evil,the EU is evil ... and I, Michael Ignatieff, am evil.
Anyway ... thank you ... God bless ... and don't be a stranger.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Canada and Macedonians Circa 1944


Telegram 554

LondonApril 12th, 1944

From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs
To the Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada

CIRCULAR D. 554

Following for the Prime Minister. Begins:

The development of a Resistance Movement in Bulgaria has brought to the surface again the Macedonian question. There are a considerable number of Bulgarians fighting with Tito’s men in southern Serbia and Macedonia, and Tito’s programme includes the establishment of an autonomous Macedonia. The Bulgarian Resistance Movement proper is divided on the Macedonian question, some sections of it advocating an autonomous Macedonia and others not.

2. We are determined at all costs to avoid being involved in the Macedonian question at this stage, and our liaison officers in Bulgaria are to be instructed to make it perfectly plain that we decline to discuss the question with anyone, and that our only concern is in getting Bulgaria out of the war and freeing Greek and Yugoslav territory from Bulgarian forces.

3. The Macedonian question has been the bane of Bulgarian politics for many years. It involves all Balkan countries to a greater or lesser extent. The Greek Government from the early days of the war have been suspicious of any contact we have had with the Macedonians, and our support of Tito in southern Serbia and of the Bulgarian Resistance Movement has led to a renewal of this nervousness. An autonomous Macedonia would cut across Greek aspirations to a frontier rectification with Bulgaria in, for instance, the Struma Valley. Tito’s advocacy of an autonomous Macedonia is understandable as part of his programme of diminishing Serbian influence, since such a state could only be formed at the territorial expense of Serbia. Our support of Tito, however, does not include support of his anti-Serbian aims. Bulgarian interest in Macedonia is, of course obvious.

4. Our information regarding the present situation in Macedonia and the Macedonian movement is, however, far from complete and, since the Partisans operating in Macedonia are under Tito’s control, we are asking our liaison officers in Yugoslavia to supply us with a report on their activities. Ends.

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS


Telegram 775

LondonMay 7th, 1945

From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs
To the Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada

CIRCULAR D. 775

My telegram Circular D. 52? of 29th March.

Yugoslavia

Ambassador, Belgrade, reports that Yugoslav Government decides on April 26th to recognize Hoxha’s Administration as Government of Albania and to establish diplomatic relations with that Government and with Bulgaria.

2. Yugoslav Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs informed Ambassador that he would receive an official notification of this effect. Ambassador replied that while decision aboutAlbania was comprehensive, he did not quite understand the position regarding Bulgaria as that Yugoslavia is still at war with that country. Under-Secretary explained as Bulgarian Army was fighting along side Yugoslav troops in the liberation of the country, it was natural that Yugoslav Government should wish to establish some kind of diplomatic relations with Bulgarian Government. He explained that the position of Yugoslav representatives in Sofiawould be analogous to that of Sir N. Charles in Rome.

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS


Telegram 488

LondonDecember 12th, 1946

From the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs
To the Secretary of State for External Affairs Canada

CIRCULAR D. 488

My telegram Circular D. 1150, 10th December.

Greece

Current discussion on alleged incursions over Greek frontier by her northern neighbours contain frequent references to Macedonian autonomous movement NOF. This organization is present day counter-part of former autonomous movement IMRO and OCHRANA; but it differs in being more closely allied with Yugoslav-Macedonian aspirations, in relation no doubt to suspected plans for Yugoslav and Bulgarian Federation after signature of Peace Treaty with later country. The following notes by United Kingdom Consul General at Salonica on NOF, may therefore be of interest, Begins.

1. During the enemy occupation of GreeceBulgaria, not content with Eastern Macedonia andWestern Thrace, was anxious to annex Central and Western Macedonia, and with German permission infiltrate OCHRANA agents who operated mainly in the area between Florina, Kastoria, Kozani and Edessa. Kalcheff, now serving a life sentence in Greece as a war criminal, was the chief of OCHRANA in Greece. OCHRANA’s aims were exactly the same as those of IMRO. At that time there was no collaboration between OCHRANA and EAM/ELAS. On the contrary there were frequent clashes, and ELAS disarmed OCHRANA bands wherever it could.

2. As, however, Axis power showed distinct signs of weakening another organization was indicated, this time an anti-fascist one, and about July-August 1944 SNOF (Slavomakedonski Narodni Osloboditelni Front) was founded, the members of which were the same as those of OCHRANA with a few additions. Directives now came from Moscow – though via Tito – and SNOF collaborated with EAM/ELAS until about October-November 1944 when a split occurred and Gotche (alias Gotseff) its military leader, and his men withdrew into Yugoslavia(Vardar Macedonia). It is said that this split was cause by EAM/ELAS insistence on bringing SNOF bands further south, presumably with the object of utilizing them against the Government and British in Athens, and by Gotcheff’s refusal to abandon his own are.

3. Subsequently SNOF dropped the S (Slavomakedonski), which was objectionable to a large section of KKE following, and became NOF. That this latter is merely the continuation of SNOF is admitted in a leader in “Deltion” of 20th February. “Deltion” claims to be the “official organ of NOF” and is believed to be published in Skopje. It is printed in Makedonski and Greek. In the same issue, an extract from a manifesto is published by ASNOM (Antifascist Council of People’s Liberation of Macedonia) urging “Macedonians” under Greece andBulgaria to participate in the “gigantic antifascist front” which is the only way “to win the right of self-determination and unity of the entire Macedonian people under the aegis of Tito’sYugoslavia”.

4. It is correct that NOF does not participate in “autonomous activities” in that it does not work for Macedonian autonomy in the true meaning of the work (which was the object of IMRO when first founded in 1891-1892), nor for autonomy and the incorporation with Bulgaria, which IMRO and OCHRANA subsequently stood for. For reasons best known to Moscow, Belgrade and Sofia, NOF now owes allegiance to Tito, and the means to ensure Macedonia passing under his “aegis” would be the union of “Vardar” (Yugoslav), “Aegean” (Greek) and “Pirin” (Bulgarian) Macedonia under the president of Vardar Macedonia at Skopje – to form a single unit of the Federal State. This is clear from another leader of “Deltion” of 15th March, where it is stated that “from the early days, the Macedonian people had expressed its will to live with the people of Yugoslavia, since the Yugoslav people esteem it (the Macedonian people) as a people, and since under Marshal Tito’s wise leadership the Macedonian people, in a common struggle with the people of Yugoslavia, won its national freedom for the first time”. In the same leader it is said that “the Macedonian people of Aegean Macedonia is right in wanting union with its supporter the leading Macedonia of Vardar”.

5. Nor is it only NOF which holds such ideas. Tito in his speech at Skopje on October 11th, 1945, as reported in the “Deltion” of 21st October, spoke of the unity of all Macedonians within Federal Yugoslavia and rebuked Bulgarian “reactionaries” who still spoke of “Greater Macedonia” i.e. “independent” Macedonia. Ends.

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS

Monday, September 19, 2011

Last Word on Macedonian Basketball

David Edenden 
I don't know if these figures are correct, but someone in the mainstream media should investigate.

MINA Breaking News: "
Is it just me or?
Gorazd Velkovski 


What was FIBA thinking when it ordered Lithuanian police to confiscate the flags with the Kutlesh sun Macedonian fans were waving. Our fans still smuggled more than a dozen flags in their underpants and waved them in the arena. 


Is it just me or FIBA should have known better when it appointed a Greek referee for the Bronze medal match? The statistics painted an interesting picture, 89% of his calls went against Macedonia. The second worst percentage at the championship was 65% by a Montenegrin referee whom FIBA kicked out of the tournament.


Is it me or Greece will find time even money to meddle in Macedonia's affairs even though if it means it is the last thing the odd little neighbor will do! It seems Athens will crash and burn, but not before pooping in our yard. Such anger the Athenians have. We the Macedonians aren't like you. We are friendly and kind. Speaking of kindness, send your basketball team to Macedonia, we will train them so you can achieve good results.

Is it just me, or Macedonia's leadership truly rejoiced in the last two weeks. Numerous times government officials were seeing celebrating in downtown Skopje, mingling with people, wearing jerseys.


Imagine now our football team turns things around and .... scores a goal! What a day that would be!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Macedonia Is Wild Card of EuroBasket Quarterfinals - NYTimes.com

Macedonia Is Wild Card of EuroBasket Quarterfinals - NYTimes.com: "September 13, 2011, 4:48 PM

By CHRISTOPHER BELAC



A fan of Macedonia looked dejected after his team lost to Russia, 61-63, at EuroBasket 2011 in Vilnius, Lithuania.Christof Koepsel/Getty ImagesA fan of Macedonia looked dejected after his team lost to Russia, 61-63, at EuroBasket 2011 in Vilnius, Lithuania.


Most of the quarterfinalists at EuroBasket 2011 do not come as a surprise. Greece, Slovenia and Russia are no strangers to this stage of the competition. And Spain, France, Serbia and host Lithuania were touted as pretournament favorites. But Macedonia? It is bound to turn some heads when the quarterfinals begin Wednesday.
Macedonia is competing in its third EuroBasket and has never qualified for the FIBA world championships or the Olympics. After dropping its opening game to Montenegro, Macedonia has assumed the role of giant killer by rattling off six straight wins, including against Croatia, Greece and Slovenia. It would have been seven if not for a buzzer beater by Russia.
In a story that would make college basketball’s Butler Bulldogs proud, the naturalized Macedonian Bo McCalebb has averaged 20.6 points a game as the point guard. He has been the team’s leading scorer in every game, including a 27-point performance in a 72-58 victory over Greece.
While the Macedonians have outplayed some of Europe’s best during this run, their quarterfinal matchup against Lithuania will test their resilience.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

McCalebb to the NBA?

McCalebb leads Macedonia over Georgia at Europeans:

September 09, 2011 02:05 AM


VILNIUS: American-born Bo McCalebb gave his adopted nation of Macedonia a present on its Independence Day, making a layup with two seconds left Thursday to secure a 65-63 victory over Georgia at the European Championship.


The victory on the 20th anniversary of Macedonia’s independence all but sealed an improbable place in the quarterfinals for the former Yugoslav republic and a shot at qualifying for next year’s Olympics in London.
“No one expected us to do anything, so we tried to take advantage of that,” McCalebb said.


After a timeout, McCalebb dribbled the ball as the clock ticked down before driving to the basket and putting in a left-handed layup for the win. The guard led all scorers with 27 points.


“Everybody in the gym knew they would play pick-and-roll and that McCalebb would drive to the left and still we couldn’t stop him,” Georgia coach Igor Kokoskov said.


McCalebb, who was born and raised in New Orleans, never played club basketball in Macedonia but led Partizan Belgrade from neighboring Serbia to the Euroleague Final Four. He is now with Montepaschi Siena and also guided the Italian team to the Final Four.


Macedonia, looking for a playmaker after injuries to two players, offered him citizenship last year.


“He is a fantastic player,” Macedonia coach Marin Dokuzovski said.


With a 3-0 record in second-round Group F, Macedonia has virtually secured a spot in the quarterfinals.


Four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The two finalists will qualify directly for the London Olympics, while the next four teams will play an additional qualifying tournament.


Georgia (0-3) played without Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia, the team’s second leading scorer, who has been ruled out for the tournament because of a left calf injury. The Georgians also lost point guard George Tsintsadze to a left knee injury midway into the second quarter.


“They’ve beaten better teams than Georgia, but it’s a tough loss,” said Kokoskov, an assistant with the Phoenix Suns. “Maybe it’s better to lose by 20.”


Macedonia led by 14 in the third quarter but Georgia pulled back to within two in the fourth before McCalebb stopped its 14-2 run with two quick baskets.


Nikoloz Tskitishvili, who led Georgia with 20 points, made two free throws to tie the game with 16 seconds on the clock.


Macedonia called a timeout and McCalebb never let the ball out of his hands until scoring the winning basket.


“Bo can always find solutions,” Dokuzovski said.


“The Independence Day gave us extra motivation but it also put additional pressure on us.”

Macedonia Honors 9/11 Victims

Memorial Walk honors the 9/11 victims - Skopje | Demotix.com:

Chargé d’Affaires Brian Aggeler of U.S. Embassy in Skopje opened the Memorial Walk in Skopje to honor the 9/11 victims, Skopje, Macedonia. 11th September 2011"

Parade in Skopje



Saturday, September 10, 2011

Celebrate Macedonian Independence


Happy 20 Years of Macedonian Independence

Macedonia to Celebrate 20 Years of Independence

Posted Thursday, September 8th, 2011 at 3:15 am
Macedonia is set to celebrate its independence day – and rile neighboring Greece – by officially unveiling a controversial statue in its capital city of Skopje.
Thursday, Macedonia marks 20 years of independence from the former Yugoslavia. As part of the celebrations, the government is showing off its capital city renovation project, known as “Skopje 2014.”
At the heart of the celebration is a 24-meter high statue, located in Skopje's central square, which depicts Alexander the Great on horseback.
Officials in Greece say the statue of Alexander, who ruled the ancient Greek state of Macedon and conquered the Persian empire, is a provocation and an attempt by their neighbor to steal a historical Greek figure.
Macedonia officials deny the allegation, saying they have given the statue a generic name: “Warrior on a Horse.”
Greece claims the former Yugoslav republic's use of the name Macedonia implies territorial ambitions in Greece. Macedonia is the name of a region Greece's northeast. (Edenden - Greece is trying to wipe of the map their ethnic Macedonian minority ... supported by the US/EU/Nato ... nice!)
Greece has blocked Macedonia from joining NATO and the European Union because of the row.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday congratulated Macedonia on its independence day anniversary, saying the U.S. is a “partner and friend.”

Monday, September 05, 2011

Christopher Hitchens Is Simply Evil!

By David Edenden
Below is my comment on the Christopher Hitchens article in Slate on the nature of evil in the form of al-Qaida. What is interesting about Hitchens (and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,  et al) is the low bar for committing evil ... that is support for wiping a people off the face of the map.

Simply evil: A decade after 9/11, it remains the best description and most essential fact about al-Qaida. -

Christopher Hitchens
David Edenden
Chris, if you or your wife are reading these comments, I would like to remind you the you are the one that is evil for supporting Greece in its attempt to wipe ethnic Macedonians off the face of the map, both in Greece itself and the Republic of Macedonia ... all under the watchful eye of the EU/US/Nato trifecta.

Before you pass, by way of reparations to ethnic Macedonians for your past misdeeds, please travel to the town of Florina (Lerin) in the Greek province of Macedonia, where 50% of the population is of ethnic Macedonian origin, to protest the call of Greek priest, Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki (Solun), to (burn down a Macedonian language radio station) ... and I quote:

"We have some of those who were left here since the Civil War period, as we call it, that difficult period, who did not leave to the other side and stayed here with us... [They] are now revolting, and are instigated from abroad by the Skopian [sic] propaganda … That is why we address to the Ministry of Interior and deputy ministers relevant to the media to tell us: is it true, such a radio station will become in Meliti . . . yes or no? If it is yes, then I, and the youth, and anyone else who wants to . . . [with] at least 40 or 50 buses must go there, and together with our brothers in Florina and Meliti, we will destroy everything into broken glass and nails . . . It is not possible to do the job differently."

Nice!

THE MISTREATMENT OF GREECE'S ETHNIC MACEDONIAN MINORITY IS THE INSPIRATION FOR EVERY RACIST, EVERY FASCIST AND EVERY ETHNIC CLEANSER IN THE BALKANS! BY DEFINITION, THESE VALUES ARE ALSO NATO AND EU VALUES ... because of your fervent support for the Greek position, they are also your values Chris.

Anyway ... GOD BLESS ... and don't be a stranger!

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Ant-Macedonian Racist MP Karygiannis Caught

David Edenden
Bob Rae is a pathetic racist enabler!

MP Karygiannis accused of berating civil servants - Canada - CBC News:
By Laura Payton, CBC News Posted: Aug 26, 2011"


History of controversial remarks

MP Karygiannis
Karygiannis, the Liberal party's multiculturalism critic, is hosting 19 cultural groups this weekend for meetings in Ottawa with Liberal MPs to talk about issues they face.
But some major cultural groups in Canada are boycotting the meetings and demanding Karygiannis be forced out of his portfolio, alleging he holds controversial views that make him unsuitable for the job.
The groups point to statements made by Karygiannis that they say make him an offensive pick.
CBC News has obtained a letter from B'Nai Brith Canada, a leading Jewish group, as well as press releases from Macedonian, Turkish and Chinese groups, demanding Liberal Interim Leader Bob Rae replace Karygiannis in his role.
Rae wasn't available Friday for interviews.
The letter and statements are, in part, in support of complaints by the Macedonian Human Rights Movement International, who noted a 2011 event in Toronto where Karygiannis used a derogatory word to describe Macedonians.
Karygiannis says he was referring to a term that's used in Greece to describe Macedonians from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
"The Macedonians of FYROM in Greece are referred to as Skopjans. That's a statement which is true. That's how they're referred to," Karygiannis said.
He's also championed causes that have split cultural communities, including successfully pushing Parliament to pass a motion that "acknowledges the Armenian genocide of 1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity." Karygiannis says he's willing to sit down with anyone and talk.
"If they don't like it, then they will say OK, let's do a number on Jim. Well, that's fine. But my motto is respect, accept, celebrate and embrace."
Anita Bromberg, general counsel for B'nai Brith Canada, says the organization is concerned about some of the positions Karygiannis has taken.
"Our point today is that multiculturalism is a call for a united front, for bringing communities together ... where he's been so divisive in the positions he's taken, then we are suggesting to the Liberal Party that they reconsider whether he's the best representative of putting forth that aim."

Turkey to Return Seized Property to Religious Minorities - NYTimes.com

By David Edenden 
Now if we can only get the EU to pressure Greece in support of ethnic Macedonians.

Turkey to Return Seized Property to Religious Minorities - NYTimes.com: "

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish government said it would return hundreds of properties that were confiscated from religious minorities by the state or other parties over the years since 1936, and would pay compensation for properties that were seized and later sold.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday to representatives of more than 150 Christian and Jewish trusts gathered at a dinner he hosted in Istanbul to break the day’s Ramadan fast. The government decree to return the properties, bypassing nationalist opposition in Parliament, was issued late Saturday.

The European Union, which Turkey has applied to join, has pressed the country to ease or eliminate laws and policies that discriminate against non-Muslim religious groups, including restrictions on land ownership. Many of the properties, including schools, hospitals, orphanages and cemeteries, were seized after 1936 when trusts were called to list their assets, and in 1974 a separate ruling banned the groups from purchasing any new real estate."

Macedonians (ethnic group) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

By David Edenden


From Wikipedia, this list of Macedonians around the world is interesting and useful. An expanded article giving the details and background of each figure would be great.


The EU paid for a special census for the Republic of Macedonia to appease the Albanian minority. It was headed by a Greek ... yeah you read it right the first time. Macedonians in Greece, Bulgaria and Albania have no such EU protection in their respective censuses. No one in the western media thought that this was newsworthy.


The EU/US/Nato are not friends of Macedonia.


I would have preferred the real census figure in counties where this is available. Some countries assume ethnicity and country of origin are the same, therefore an ethnic Macedonia from Greece, would be identified as Greek. In Canada, the estimates of 200,000 Macedonians counts Grkomans (pro Greek Ethnic Macedonians) which I would exclude.

Macedonians (ethnic group) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Republic of Macedonia Republic of Macedonia 1,297,981[3]
Australia83,978–200,000[4][5]
Italy92,847[6]
Germany62,295 - 85,000[5][7]
Switzerland61,304 - 63,000[5][8]
United States57,200–200,000[5][9]
Brazil45,000[2]
Canada37,055 - 200,000[10][11]
Turkey31,518[12]
Argentina30,000[2]
Serbia25,847[13]
Austria13,696 - 15,000[5][14]
Netherlands10,000 - 15,000[5]
Czech Republic11,623[15]
United Kingdom9,000[5]
Hungary7,253[15]
Albania4,697 - 35,000 (est.)[16]
Slovakia4,600[17]
Croatia4,270[18]
Slovenia3,972[19]
Sweden3,669 - 15,000[5][20]
Belgium3,419[21]
Denmark3,349 - 12,000[5][22]
Norway3,045[23]
France2,300 - 15,000[24]
Bosnia and Herzegovina2,278[25]
Poland2,000 - 4,500[26][27]
Bulgaria1,654[28]
Russia1,000[26]
Montenegro900[29]
Greece747 (2001 census)
10,000 – 30,000 (1999 est.)
[30][31]
Romania731 - 6,000[32