Tuesday, November 11, 2014

An Open Letter to Matthew Nimetz

Mediator, Macedonia/Greece “Name Dispute"

Nov 11, 2014

David Edenden:

I understand that you will call a new meeting with Macedonian and Greek representative to discuss the long standing “name issue” on Nov. 12,2014

We can agree that these talks, after 20 years, have not been a success and we can agree or disagree on which side shoulders most of the blame.

However, the framework that these talks have held is surely part of the problem.

1 Secrecy

The original concept was to conduct the all negotiations in secret has, in retrospect, not been very useful. It was supposed to give negotiators the freedom to discuss sensitive issue frankly so that a just compromise could be achieved.

However this secrecy has fueled a low level but constant wildfire of speculation, rumors and conspiracy theories … on both sides

Proposal

Release all documents relating to the name issue, letters, proposals, and memorandums … a document dump … to historians, journalists and politicians to help better understand the issues.
Encourage both Greece and Macedonia to release their documents.
Encourage the US and UK as well as other countries to release documents from their archives from WW2 to the present.

2 Educating the People of Greece and Macedonia

As a result of the secrecy, people of both countries are really not aware of the position of the other country … only what is fed to them … as propaganda, by their own side. We have to find a mechanism whereby propaganda can be overwhelmed by facts and truth.

Proposal

Hold a week long conference … in the form of a “trial” ... in public … on TV … “whereby both sides can present their arguments to a “jury of experts” … chosen by you for their knowledge. The jury will rule on the following issues.

Did Tito “invent” the Macedonian language.

OR did he “recognize” it. Review and discuss the background to the Macedonian language

Georgi Pulevski "A Dictionary of Three languages" (1875)

Krste Misirkov “Ön “Macedonian Matters” (1903)

Greek Government “ABECEDAR” (1925)

Horace Lunt A Grammar of the Macedonian Literary Language

Statues and Place Names

Does the government of Macedonia have the right to name any place or stature as they see fit.

The Rights of Macedonians in Greece

The plight of the Macedonians in Greece has been viewed as a peripheral issue that is not within the scope of your negotiations. This has been a the core mistake of the negotiations.

It speaks to culture, identity and language. The can be no lasting reconciliation between Greece and Macedonia until the rights of Macedonians in Greece are secured.

If not, Greece will launch a 100 year long campaign to rename Macedonians in the history books, government census, film festivals, textbooks not as Macedonians but as “Northern Macedonians”, “Vardar Macedonians”. Greece will be relentless and will not stop

Macedonians in Greece have been subject to “forced assimilation” via name changes to people and villages, pressure regarding work, justice etc.

If this is not “cultural genocide” what is?

What are they called in Greece for official purposes

What rights do they have

Are these rights consistent with EU values

What is the status of “Begalsi”.. Macedonian refugees from the Greek Civil War

3 History

The issue of history is complex and subject to misunderstanding, myth and mischief.

Proposal

Two historians, one Macedonian, one Greek will be asked to write a brief … two or three page synopsis … on the history of the useage of “Macedonian”. It should start with the era of Alexander the Great to present day.

It would give journalists, historians, politicians and governments a template on how to discuss Macedonia and Macedonians. It will then be presented to the conference.

In Macedonia:

Macedonians and Albanians OR

Macedonian Slavs and Albanians or

Makedonsko/Macedonian and Albanian

In Greece:

Ethnic Macedonian and Greek Macedonians OR

Skopians; Slavophone/Slavic; Dopii (Locals); Ethnic Macedonians and Greek Macedonians

????? and Greek Macedonians

The historians should be those raised in the outside the Balkans where they drink from the cool waters of “”western rationality” rather than the hot springs of the Balkans.

My suggestion:

Andrew Rossos (Macedonia)

Gregory Jusdanis (Greece)

4 Where to go from here

After the spring conference, both parties will continue to negotiate over the summer. If agreement cannot be reached, the issue back to the UN General Assembly in September 2015

Spring 2015 Conference

Summer 2015 Negotiations

September 2015 Un General Assembly

Monday, August 11, 2014

Brussels Shows No Remorse for racist EU Soldiers

By David Edenden

Greek (EU) soldiers chanting that they will drink the blood of Macedonians, Albanians and Turks.

Now when Macedonians soccer fans chant racist slogans against black players … it becomes an international incident. But EU solder racist chants don't even get a message.

It seems that the EU media can separate the “good EU” in Brussels from the “bad EU” in the local capitals. (Cyprus, Greece, Hungary etc)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02kg4hg6Y3E&feature=youtube_gdata_player …

The Macedonian government protested to Athens, but they really should have protested to Brussels.

Saturday, August 09, 2014

Keep the South Stream Pipeline

By David Edenden

Good article on the South Stream. The US/EU are trying to force Macedonia to sacrifice its national interests on the altar of their anti-Russian geopolitical machinations.

Macedonia, US, Russia and the South Stream pipeline

By Sasho Manevski, August 8, 2014
Translated and edited by Risto Stefov rstefov@hotmail.com

Round table talks, organized by the South Eastern European Coalition and the Richard Lugar Institute for diplomacy, were held on July18, 2014 in Washington covering “Energy concerns and opportunities in South Eastern Europe after the G7”.

The South Eastern European Coalition is made up of a coalition of various ethnic organizations operating in this part of the region with aims “to contribute to a better American foreign policy which reflects on the common interests and goals of ethnic groups in the United States, that share common American values.”

The kind of approach taken by these non-governmental lobby groups follows the anti-Russian action taken by the American government. ...

Macedonia has a poorly developed infrastructure with a gas pipeline running from Deve Bair to Skopje with a capacity of 800 thousand cubic metres of gas expandable to 1.2 billion cubic metres and utilization of about 20%. Currently, only Strumitsa is gasified, with work being done to gasify Skopje and a small gas infrastructure in Kumanovo.

The United States had 22 years to show leadership in the region and in Macedonia and to invest in its energy and gas infrastructure. But in place of being encouraged and led by the United States to develop our energy needs, we are told to stay away from South Stream and seek other sources from which to buy our energy.

The Macedonian government, on the other hand, has signed an agreement with the South Stream project. The Macedonian side, in a separate deal, has also signed a contract to return Russian debt to Macedonia as a remnant of the Yugoslav debt. With this agreement, the Russian company will build part of the gas infrastructure in Macedonia, from Deve Bair to Negotino. It will also convert the Negotino electric generation station to gas which will then deliver cheap electricity to the Macedonian people, now imported at high cost. Also, the path that the gas pipeline will take will allow more cities and industrial facilities in Eastern Macedonia to connect to it, thereby further realizing economic benefits that are necessary for this poor region.

In other words, Macedonia has made a deal with Russia not only to supply it with gas but to also develop its necessary gas infrastructure.

And as such, South Stream, which does not pass through the Ukraine, in itself is an alternative to our current pipeline, which so far has been repeatedly blocked from delivering Russian gas to Europe. Given the current situation in the Ukraine it is expected that next winter the Ukraine will politicize delivery of Russian gas to Europe, which would then disrupt gas supplies to Europe, and perhaps to Macedonia.

Our economy that uses gas will be damaged under this scenario and we will be forced to start using more expensive fuels in order to continue production and conduct other activities. There would be no danger of this happening if we connect to South Stream, as an alternative, because South Stream does not pass through the Ukraine.

In other words, South Stream will bring only benefits to Macedonia. At the same time, let us not forget that Macedonia currently pays a high price for gas because it is a small user, and because there are no alternative supply options. To have the Russian gas as an alternative, the price of gas will not be much cheaper because the amounts supplied will be small, but it will definitely be cheaper than the current price. Under current conditions, using Russian gas will be a cheapest fuel option, costing about the same as firewood, which is much cheaper than gasoline, electricity, oil...

It should be more than obvious to everyone that Macedonia signed a contract with Russia in order to improve its gas infrastructure, reduce energy costs and thus improve Macedonia’s economic position, which will supply the Macedonian people and Macedonian industries with a steady source of cheap energy and which will benefit all who are in need of energy.

In other words, South Stream and the contract to build a gas infrastructure are of strategic interest to Macedonia.

The Government of Macedonia, despite American efforts, has not deviated from this contract with Russia. Ivanov recently publicly endorsed South Stream.

Macedonia needs alternatives and should be approached to join the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, but under no circumstances should it be expected to give up South Stream. Nor is it necessary to place Macedonia in scenarios similar to those of the Ukraine - either you are with us or with them.

A Macedonian Tells The Scots What To Do

By David Edenden

As a Canadian and Macedonian I urge the Scottish people to vote for continued union with the UK. My wife is of Irish and Scottish heritage so I have more than passing interest in Scotland.

In the Balkans, I opposed the collapse of Yugoslavia, even though it brought independence to Macedonia. I would have preferred the EU to force Yugoslavia, through sanctions, to stay together in the same way they are forcing Bosnia to stay together. I would have also insisted that Bulgaria, in order to join the EU, would first have to join Yugoslavia, making it a complete "union of south slavs republics" (USSR? ...maybe not).

Notwithstanding the various Balkan wars, language and culture could have bound these diverse peoples together in a workable federation ... with a large Olympic team.

The disruption in trade and economic relations with the sudden appearance of seven new borders is the main cause of economic stagnation in the Balkans, not war or corruption as has often been reported. It has been over 20 years since independence, and only now does Macedonia have the same GDP as it did 20 years ago. Macedonia had autonomy ... control over its own republic, working language, film, TV, and universities. Independence was not worth it just to have the right to its own currency and an Olympic bobsled team.

I urge the political class in the UK and Scotland to look to Canadian federalism as a model for the UK. In Canada we have one province, Saskatchewan, that has a "labour/socialist" government, off and on since 1945 with a socialist political culture right beside Alberta which has a "Texas" style free enterprise political culture. If Scotland had the powers of a Canadian province when the North Sea Oil was discovered, it would have controlled the development as well as the revenues. At the same time, it would, like Alberta, have paid into a common fund for distribution to the poorer provinces.

We also have Quebec with French as a working language and the French civil code as law. So if you want to make Gaelic the working language ... knock yourself out. Macedonian was the working language of Macedonia even when it was part of Yugoslavia.

My suggestion, using Canada as a model, devolve uniform powers to regional assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as create one (or more if so inclined) for England for a true symmetrical relationship. ("Geordie Liberation Front" and "Cornish Revolutionary Army" ... now it your chance!)

I thought ... and still do ... that Macedonians can be Macedonian and Yugoslav at the same time. Therefore The Scots can also be British.

People of Scotland do have an emotional and cultural affinity for Britain that will remain no matter what the outcome. Unionists, however, must provide a logical coherent alternative to the romance of independence.

Putin's Food Ban ... An opportunity for Macedonia

By David Edenden

Below are my comments to an article about Putin's food ban.

Putin's ban on EU/US food imports is a great opportunity for Macedonian agriculture, wine and even clothing.

However, the US and EU will put tremendous pressure on Macedonia to comply with EU policy even though Macedonia will be allowed to join the EU ..."when the polar ice caps melt".

The sanctions on Russia were designed to have a minimal impact on the EU member states. I am sure that no one in the EU gave a second thought to Macedonia's interest.

Gruevski ... stand firm ... stand tall.

Putin's Strategy Behind the Food Ban

"The Kremlin certain in its cynicism, as usual, underestimates the principles of Western leaders and their willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the idea of European solidarity"

1. He is right. The "principles of Western solidarity" has led the EU to support cultural genocide in the name of solidarity with Greek racist policy against its own ethnic Macedonian minority and the Republic of Macedonia with regard to the "Macedonian Name Farce".

2. The US wants to turn Russia, with regard to foreign policy, into Germany and Japan ,,, countries that mind their own business and give the US a free hand in foreign policy. (By the way, I think this was the best policy for Russia). Just look at the furious reaction of the US chattering classes against France when it impudently dared to criticize Bush's invasion of Iraq ... remember "freedom fries".

3. President Obama's boycott of the Sochi Olympics because of Putin's anti-gay laws ... then shortly after paying a respectful visit to Saudi Arabia, where they hang gays, was not well received in Russia.

4. Putin is playing the long game. His policy is not primarily geared to break the EU sanctions since having an existential threat serves him well. It is import substitution, not only for food, manufactured goods and financial services but also for cultural ideas.

Unanswered questions:

1. What were the sanctions imposed on Russia after the Soviets invasions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia?

2. Why has Putin managed to maintain the support of the Russian chattering classes? Could it be the relentless US/EU/Nato anti-Russian actions with regard to Russian oil and gas pipelines?

3. Pierre Eliot Trudeau saw "federalism" a THE solution to the modern state as a replacement for the "nation state". Did the US/EU/Nato enthusiasm for "national freedom" for Yugoslav republic put a knife in the heart of the federalist option? (Note: Ukraine vigorously rejected a "federalized Ukraine)

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Evan Fuere ... The Meaning of Democracy vs Hypocrisy

By David Edenden

Erwan Fouere

Erwan Fouéré wrote“Democracy has lost its meaning in Macedonia” (Balkan Insight April 30, 2014) which received a great deal of attention. I really wish Fouéré would write an article called

“For the Ethnic Macedonians in Greece, democracy never had any meaning."

It will never happen.

Instead, six days ago, on April 30th, I sent a very respectful letter (below) to Erwan Fouéré, former EU Ambassador to Macedonia and currently with The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) think tank.

I did not get an answer.
I did not expect to get an answer.

Macedonians have spent “tooo” much time trying to meet EU standards without asking the question:

“What have you done for me lately”

We know what EU standards are all about. All Macedonians have to do is to look across the border to see the plight of Macedonians in Greece and Bulgaria … and its not pretty.

So when Fuere decides to tutor Macedonians on human rights, democracy or even eating with a knife and fork, my mind reels because he holds us to a mythical standard that we can never meet because the goal post will always be moved

Instead, he should compare Macedonia to Greece and Bulgaria, both EU members, to see where we are lacking. He will never do so, because this would expose problems with the EU … hypocrisy ... something he does not want to do.

The Macedonian language is Greece is quickly becoming extinct. In my opinion, Erwan Fouéré, through his role as an EU diplomat has played a key role in making that happen.

To: Erwan Fouéré
From David Edenden
April 30, 2014

1. I would appreciate if you could point me to a list of articles dealing with the relationship between the EU and the ethnic Macedonians in Greece. Including grants given to help with language rights, civil society etc. Published by the EU itself or established think tanks and universities.

2. Any article where you wrote or you were mentioned in the context the Macedonians in Greece would be helpful, including refugees from WW2 and why they were not included in the amnesty of 1982.

3 Have you gone to Greece to meet with representatives of Vinozito (Rainbow) before, during or after you were the EU representative to Macedonia.
Have you ever been interviewed by the Macedonian language radio station in Greece and would you be willing to do so.

4. Are you willing to go to Greece, meet with Vinozhito and advise them on how to apply for funding for civil society, language preservation and minority rights.

5. Finally are you intending to attend the opening of the first Macedonian Orthodox Church in Greece?

Monday, April 14, 2014

What is the Character of the Macedonian People ... Captain Evans 1944

By David Edenden

Captain Evans report on Macedonians in Greece captures the culture and character of the Macedonians who tried to maintain their identity under Greek government pressure.

"An old man at KORIFI put this aspect of the Macedonian character very clearly to me. He was a slav, yet had been proedhros (mayor) of his own village Vapsori during Metaxas 's regime. In Consequence he was now out of favour with EAM and ELAS. He told me:

'You see, we have had so many different masters that now, whoever comes along, we say' (placing his hands together and smiling pleasantly and making a little bow), 'Kalos orisate!' (welcome)

It was most eloquent. It is this perfect duplicity of the Macedonians which makes them difficult to know. It is hard to find out what they are thinking.

This is illustrated by a story below that I heard when i was young. However, it is low on facts. If anyone has heard of this story, please share the details ... people ... time .... place.

Florina/Lerin Greek Civil War July 1948

During the Greek Civil War, Macedonian partisans were called to meeting, circa July 1948, with local Greek Communist leaders fighting the Greek royalist government ... to discuss tactics

When they arrived, their guns were taken, and they were given food to eat. One of the Macedonians surveyed the situation and realized that the Greek partisans still had their weapons and Macedonians, Albanians and Vlachs were segregated from the Greeks.

He whispered to his mates 'heads up" ... that something was wrong.

Finally the Greek leader spoke. Without an introduction or any explanation, he simply asked:

"Who do you support ... Tito or Stalin"?

One Macedonian immediately got up, and without missing a beat he said he supports the leadership of the Greek Communist Party because without the unity of Macedonians and Greeks ... all is lost.

Every Macedonian quickly agreed.

It was then explained to them that Tito and Stalin had fallen out and that the leadership had decided to follow Stalin.

I don't know if the Macedonians got their guns back, what the level of trust was, or how well these people knew each other.

In the middle of the night, all the Macedonians silently left the camp and headed to Bitola in the newly founded Republic of Macedonia ... part of the newly federated Tito's Yugoslavia.

As we know, very little in Macedonia has a happy ending. To this day they are still refugees from Greece, while their Greek comrades were given amnesty in 1982. EU values at work!

What happened to those partisans?
What did the Greek leadership think of them?
Did the Albanians, Vlachs also leave with them?