The Macedonian Tendency

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

2012-01-02T13:24:00.000-05:00

By David Edenden
June 18, 2039

Matthew Nimetz passed away, yesterday, on his 100th birthday. He went peacefully while taking a cab to a meeting between the Greek and Macedonian governments to settle the long standing "name" dispute. Nimetz died doing what he loved best, trying to bring peace and understanding to the people of the Balkans.

Matthew Nimetz

Nimetz took over from Cyrus Vance on December 21, 1999. Mr Vance resigned for personal reasons and was not, contrary to rumors, hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of Walter Reed Hospital muttering "I am going to get those motherf@#kers if its the last thing I do".

Rumors abounded that, once the dispute was settled, Nimetz would automatically be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which unfortunately, due to a series of bad investments in American securities market by the Nobel Committee, is now only worth $99.00 (Canadian) or $69.00 (US).

Mathew Nimitz, (no relation) who has been Matthew Nimetz's assistant for the past 5 years, will be taking over as mediator, providing a seamless transition.

Negotiations had been suspended for the last three years, so that archaeologists could decipher the meaning of ancient graffiti found on the ruins, of what appeared to be an ancient 1st century restaurant near the Greek border with Macedonia.

Graffiti: "Macedonians are from Mars, (God of War), while Greeks are from Uranus, (Father of the Titans)!"

Scholars are perplexed.

Over the years, Nimetz was strangely silent on the mistreatment of Greece's ethnic Macedonian minority. Greece continues to harass members of the 50,000 strong ethnic Macedonian community. The leader of its Vinozhito (Rainbow) Political Party has been arrested for printing on its campaign literature that feta cheese was invented by the ethnic Macedonians and they have some 5th century stinking feta cheese to prove it.

Matthew Nimetz will be missed by all those who value senseless and needless negotiations between a more powerful country (Greece) that wants to "wipe off the face of the map" another smaller country (Macedonia) all under the fond gaze of the EU and NATO.

Dimitar Vlahov, Herzel and Ben Gurion

2011-12-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the Central Commemorative gathering in remembrance of the Holocaust of the Macedonian Jews

Wednesday, 09 March 2011 00:00

Ladies and Gentlemen. These are the days when we commemorate the Holocaust of the Jews of Macedonia – days when, 68 years ago, even the Almighty was silent. These are days of sorrow. Days when entire Macedonia was bidding farewell from its sons and daughters Jews.
Until recently, the only grave of our fellow countrymen, who are not among us any longer, were only the painfull memories. Starting from tomorrow, the Holocaust Memorial Center of the Jews from Macedonia will be an eternal monument to the 7148 Macedonian Jews. It will be a lasting memory of what has remained of the victims, their ashes and a remembrance of those we have lost.

The Jews are deeply rooted in the Macedonian state, history, tradition and culture since time immemoral. Ressetled by powerful empires, persecuted by inquisitors and suppressed by pogroms, many Jews found their second home in Macedonia: the Romaniotes, the Sephardi and the Ashkenazi. The Romaniotes in Stobi, in Macedonia built their oldest synagogue in the Balkans. The Sephardi, with their melodic Ladino, enriched the cultural, public and economic life in Macedonia. There were also few Ashkenazi, who, coming from the north, found their home in Macedonia.

Be assured, the Jews in Macedonia have never been nor will be considered guests or strangers. Along with their fellow countrymen, the Jews were, are and will be part of Macedonian history and culture. In Macedonia, from past times, people of different confession were respected and tolerated. In Macedonia, famous Jewish philosophers such as Tobit, Meir, de Tudela and Ben Kalonimos, had freedom to create. In Macedonia, God (Yahweh) was celebrated by famous rabbis like Shlomo benAbraham Hakoen and Joseph Ben Lev, Istrumica Daniel and Aharon Abayov.

And, just in a moment, in one fateful moment, Macedonia has lost almost all children of Israel.
During the Second World War, the territory of present-day Republic of Macedonia became the prey of the Third Reich and its fascist allies.

In 1941, the highest Bulgarian occupational authorities adopted numerous inhumane laws, regulations and decisions managing the “Jewish issue" which were compliant to the spirit of the notorious anti-Semitic Nürnberg Laws of 1935. Full of hatred, cynicism and anti-Semitism, these documents actually unmask the racism, inhumanity and intolerance of the occupation regime.

But, unfortunately, this was just an introduction to the tragedy that followed. On March 11, 1943, pursuant to the Agreement between Nazi Germany and Fascist Bulgaria, signed by Theodore Daneker and Alexander Belev on February 22 1943, the Bulgarian army and police have gathered almost all Jews of occupied Macedonia. They were not as lucky as the Bulgarian Jews, who, under the pressure of the public, were spared of the tragic destiny. The occupier deprived the Macedonian Jews of their citizenships, of their properties, of all their possession. Above all, they deprived them of hope. And, they sent them to meet their irreversible destiny.

Cart by cart, train by train, the three railway compositions took away the Macedonian Jews. They were taken from their homes, their neighborhoods and towns. Thus, part of Macedonia was taken away. From 22 to 29 March 1943, the fascist occupier deported the Macedonian Jews into the gas chambers and furnaces of Treblinka. There, the Nazis suffocated them, killed them and turned them into ashes. Thus, part of Macedonia was killed.

After Treblinka, there is only silence. Silence, because there are no words strong enough to describe and mourn this tragedy.

After Treblinka, Jewish homes remained empty. Jewish neighborhoods deserted, without children’s noise. Skopje, Bitola and Stip were deeply wounded because they lost part of themselves, their soul. And Macedonia lost a vital part of its national, economic and cultural texture.
These are wounds that can never be healed. Wounds that will forever remain open, and painful. Endlessly painful. Because, wounds of the soul can never be healed.

Ladies and Gentlemen. The facts tell us that the Holocaust of the Macedonian Jews is the most effective execution of the “final solution to the Jewish question" in the world, in accord with Eichmann’s list and the monstrous conclusions of the Wannsee Conference, held on January 20, 1942.
The 7148 deported Jews who ended up behind the barbed wire of the hell called Treblinka, represent 98 percent of the total Jewish population of the occupied Macedonia. 50 percent of them were children.
After the Second World War, the German philosopher Theodor Adorno posed the following question: "Is it possible at all to write poetry, to create art and literature after Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Mauthausen?"

And I add Treblinka to that list as well.
I would like you to know that we all consider the Holocaust to be a tragedy of the humankind. Each and every one, who in itself cherishes the humane given by God, experiences the Holocaust as a tragedy. Since the Holocaust is not an act of man and people. The Holocaust is an act of those who have given up on God and humane.

Ladies and Genlemen. The tragedy of the Holocaust is even greater for Macedonia because of the mutual dedication and friendship between Macedonians and Jews, between the Republic of Macedonia and the State of Israel. A friendship based on a strong recognition, understanding and mutual support.
Few people know that this year we round off a century of Macedonian – Israeli relations, established at a time when neither Macedonia nor Israel existed as independent states.

I believe that two episodes and two individuals from our shared history are especially important in this regard.

In 1896, a Congress was held in Thessaloniki of the Secret Macedonian-Odrin Revolutionary Organization – TMORO, the activities of which culminated on Ilinden, August 2nd 1903, when Macedonia uprised for liberation from the Ottoman yoke. One of the congress participants was a prominent revolutionary, Rafael Kamhi, a Macedonian Jew from Bitola, who fought for the freedom of Macedonia.
Exactly a century ago, in June 1911, Dimitar Vlahov, a Macedonian revolutionary, freedom fighter and deputy in the Ottoman Parliament, delivered a speech in which he categorically opposed the efforts to ban the Jews from returning to their ancient homeland. Later on, DimitarVlahov, along with the Macedonian revolutionary Gjorche Petrov, at the meetings with Theodor Herzl and David Ben-Gurion spoke of deepening the cooperation between Macedonians and Jews in their efforts to establish independent and sovereign states.

Therefore, we must never forget that, as Raphael Kamhi was one of the promoters of the idea of a free and independent Macedonia, it was Dimitar Vlahov who contributed in keeping the road open for the future establishment of the State of Israel. Thus, Macedonia has repaid the Jews for their centuries-long contribution.

Ladies and Gentlemen. In-between the two world wars, many Macedonian Jews were promoters of the idea of restoring the Jewish homeland on the territory of their ancient roots. Those who remained in Macedonia and survived the monstrous Holocaust took part in the Macedonian National Liberation Struggle. The names of the General Beno Ruso, of the national hero Estreja Ovadija - Mara, the fighters Zhamila Kolomonos - Cveta, Roza Kamhi Ruso, of the fighters Shami Moritz, Victor Pardo, Abraham Anaf, Eli Fradzhi, Josef Pessoa, Mordo Todolano, Nisim Alba, Aaron Aroesti, Estreja Levy, Samuel Sadikario, Albert Kasorla, Albert Ruso and of many other Macedonian Jews, shall forever be engraved in our memory.

Ladies and Gentlement. With grief I find that, in the world today, there are demagogues who deny the Holocaust. By denying the Holocaust and sinking it into oblivion, they make room for the evil to be repeated. There are some who deny the State of Israel its right to exist.

These denialists have their kin who deny other peoples and nations the right to exist. Who can deny or approve the right to existence of others? Where does this power stem from? Is it a power at all, or rather an expression of fear and feeling of deep intolerance towards the others and the different?

Therefore, I want to send a clear message – the world must not forget that the creation of the State of Israel was, also, an expression of the readiness and decisiveness not to let the Holocaust happen again.

Israel exists, has the right to exist, and will exist.
The unthinkable remains possible. The unthinkable happened before and after the Holocaust as well. And, every time, with the same premeditation. And, every time, the victims were surprised, shocked and unaware of what what happening to them. Every time, the same infernal circle repeated in which the victims were first accused, then dehumanized and, finally, destroyed. The methods variated, from death marches, bullets and machetes, but, the aim of these crimes was always the same. Regardless if they were starved to death, gassed or butchered, the aim of such crime of crimes was always the same – exterminating ethnic, racial and religious groups, entire peoples and populations.

For many people, the Jewish Holocaust is the most crule, and, at the same time, the most real metaphor of the 20th century. Metaphor of human madness leading to mass murders, a crime that, until Raphael Lemkin, did not even had a name. It remained nameless because no one believed it was possible. However, it was shown many times that genocide follows humankind as an evil shadow. Even, today.

Therefore, at the very end, allow me to recollect a great truth once told by the respected Elie Wiesel: “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented”. This is why, when considering human dignity, human rights and liberties, humankind must never again stand by, watching its children being tormented.

Ladies and Gentlement. Humankind must not let the horrors from the past dim our future. Therefore, it must not be forgotten, so it never happens again. Our fellow countrymen who are not with us any longer oblige this. The memory of the millions that disappeared in the flame of the concentration camps obliges this. Humanity obliges this!

Never forget! Never again!

There is no future without memory. This is the message which, in Ladino, the Sephardic Jews brought in Macedonia:

SIN MEMORIA, NO AY AVENIR
Shalom, shalom.

Remembering Hitchens | The Nation Victor Navasky

2011-12-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

By David Edenden

Below is my post to "The Nation" article by Victor Navasky about Christopher Hitchens which is self-explanatory.

Christopher Hitchens being waterboarded in Athens for suggesting that "Salade Macedoine" was a mixed vegetable salad rather than a 100 % pure Greek salad!
I first came across Christopher Hitchens' name on April 7, 1993 in an article, "Not Just Paranoid about Macedonia", in the now defunct newspaper, "The European".

Since he is the only journalist in the world to support Greece's attempt to wipe ethnic Macedonians off the face of the map ... including the 50,000 strong minority in Greece ... (oh what a contrarian!) I assumed that he was he was a "snoty English upper class right wing twit journalist" who had never been to the Balkans. I was right on all accounts with the exception about him never have been to the Balkans.

Over the years, I have contacted "The Nation" to try to get Hitchens exposed as a Hellenophile pandering anti-Macedonian racist for reasons that may be apparent more to your journalists than to me ... to no avail.

By way of reparations, I suggest you do it now ... in honour of his passing.
Thank you and if you need any help ... don't be a stranger!

Remembering Hitchens | The Nation Victor Navasky:

Although we obviously had our differences, I was pleased to see that the vast majority of the well-deserved establishment kudos that our friend Christopher Hitchens received after he died were not inconsistent with Christopher Buckley’s assessment that Hitchens was “the greatest living essayist in the English language.”

Christopher Hitchens Help Defend the Macedonian Language Radio Station in Greece

2011-12-16T12:08:00.000-05:00

By David Edenden

In honour of the passing of Christopher Hitchens I have re-posted this article from a few weeks ago.

I know we have had our differences in the past, but I thought you might use this occasion to support the right of the ethnic Macedonian minority in Greece to defend and promote their language and culture.

In this way you will, in a fashion, be paying reparations to ethnic Macedonians for your past support of the Greek position to wipe ethnic Macedonians off the map. This would be similar to your new found concern about anti-Antisemitism below.

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

Joining the Tribe Late in Life: The Ever-Widening Circle of Celebrity Jews – Forward.com:

Are lives changed by the knowledge? Sometimes. Hitchens, an outspoken anti-Zionist, wrote in the Forward in 2000 that his ethnic heritage meant nothing, but by 2002 he was raging in Vanity Fair about the growing anti-Semitic threat to the unwary West, including “people like me.” His anti-Zionism had morphed from a fiery radicalism into a lament that Israel hadn’t fully solved the Jews’ problems. (I asked him that fall if his Jewish roots hadn’t touched him deeper than he’d realized. His reply: “I think you’re right, chaver.”)

MINA Breaking News - Greek Priest Calls for Attack on Macedonian Radio Station:
Greek Priest Anthimos
Greek Priest Anthimos as a "true Christian" has asked for 40-50 Greeks to board buses, go to Florina/Lerin and break and burn the Macedonian language radio station because, according to him ethnic Macedonians would air anti-Greek propaganda.

Anthimos' statement was issued after the announcement of Pande Ashlakov, the head of (?)/Ovcarani (Florina /Lerin) who said that "Vinozito" had received a license for a Macedonian language radio station that would be broadcasting program from Florina/Lerin to Thessoloniki/Solun.

Ashlakov at the Ilinden celebration said the radio will start working at the end of the year and as part of its program will have live shows and news.

Anthimos was seething, claiming the damned people will probably name their radio "Macedonian radio".

How is this possible? Are we the Greeks allowed to have a radio station anywhere in the Balkans? asked Anthimos.

The Greek priest shouldn't be worried, for example the in the Republic of Macedonia the Macedonian State Radio (paid for by taxpayers money) has broadcasted programs in every Balkan language, including Greek Albanian and Rom (Gypsy) for more than a decade.

Greek media reported the Thessoloniki/Solun priest was asking for 40-50 volunteers to board buses head to Florina/Lerin and attack the radio station.

With losing his "What Would Jesus Do" bracelet, priest Anthimos seems to have lost his way.

(Note: the italics are my edits to the story)

Michael Ignatieff and the Banality of Evil

2011-09-28T09:59:00.002-04:00

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 and the EU is evil and I, Michael Ignatieff, am evil.

Anyway ... thank you ... God bless ... and don't be a stranger.

Canada and Macedonians Circa 1944

2011-09-27T08:25:00.000-04:00

Telegram 554

London, April 12^th, 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

London, May 7^th, 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 29^th March.

Yugoslavia

Ambassador, Belgrade, reports that Yugoslav Government decides on April 26^th 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

London, December 12^th, 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, 10^th 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 Greece, Bulgaria, 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 20^th 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 15^th 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 11^th, 1945, as reported in the “Deltion” of 21^st 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

Last Word on Macedonian Basketball

2011-09-19T20:59:00.000-04:00

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!

Macedonia Is Wild Card of EuroBasket Quarterfinals - NYTimes.com

2011-09-13T23:02:00.001-04:00

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

By CHRISTOPHER BELAC

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.

McCalebb to the NBA?

2011-09-11T14:11:00.002-04:00

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

2011-09-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

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

Celebrate Macedonian Independence

2011-09-10T11:54:00.000-04:00

Happy 20 Years of Macedonian Independence

2011-09-10T11:51:00.000-04:00

Macedonia to Celebrate 20 Years of Independence

« VOA Breaking News:

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.”

Christopher Hitchens Is Simply Evil!

2011-09-05T14:29:00.005-04:00

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. -

By Christopher Hitchens - Slate Magazine Monday, Sept. 5, 2011:

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!

Ant-Macedonian Racist MP Karygiannis Caught

2011-09-04T11:29:00.003-04:00

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

2011-09-04T11:13:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-04T10:43:00.001-04:00

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 1,297,981^[3]

Australia	83,978–200,000	^[4]^[5]
Italy	92,847	^[6]
Germany	62,295 - 85,000	^[5]^[7]
Switzerland	61,304 - 63,000	^[5]^[8]
United States	57,200–200,000	^[5]^[9]
Brazil	45,000	^[2]
Canada	37,055 - 200,000	^[10]^[11]
Turkey	31,518	^[12]
Argentina	30,000	^[2]
Serbia	25,847	^[13]
Austria	13,696 - 15,000	^[5]^[14]
Netherlands	10,000 - 15,000	^[5]
Czech Republic	11,623	^[15]
United Kingdom	9,000	^[5]
Hungary	7,253	^[15]
Albania	4,697 - 35,000 (est.)	^[16]
Slovakia	4,600	^[17]
Croatia	4,270	^[18]
Slovenia	3,972	^[19]
Sweden	3,669 - 15,000	^[5]^[20]
Belgium	3,419	^[21]
Denmark	3,349 - 12,000	^[5]^[22]
Norway	3,045	^[23]
France	2,300 - 15,000	^[24]
Bosnia and Herzegovina	2,278	^[25]
Poland	2,000 - 4,500	^[26]^[27]
Bulgaria	1,654	^[28]
Russia	1,000	^[26]
Montenegro	900	^[29]
Greece	747 (2001 census) 10,000 – 30,000 (1999 est.)	^[30]^[31]
Romania	731 - 6,000	^[32

Mountain Climbing in Macedonia

2011-09-04T10:14:00.001-04:00

the 3rd time is a charm « Fox Tales From Macedonia Blog:
August 24th, 2011 § 3 Comments

Or was it 4 ?

Last weekend was momentous, mountainous … I have tried a few times to do a day hike to Tumba peak on the Belasica Mountian range (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belasica) where Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria meet.

A big thank you to the Strumica Hiking club that organized the two day hike. They hauled our (75 people?) tents, sleeping bags and extra stuff up on a tractor. We hiked the 1st half of the trail in a few hours then had the evening to eat, drink, relax and meet new friends. In the morning we rose early for breakfast and the remainder of the hike up to the top to celebrate, turn around and make our way down to the bottom stopping mid way for lunch and pack up our things. They provided the 3 meals as well as having a medical person on hand “just in case”.

This experience is one of my favorite Macedonian experiences. Wonderful people and beautiful scenery. We listened to traditional music, danced and sang, picked wild berries (raspberries, black raspberries, blue berries), tried different home made rakjas, ate fresh made sheep cheese – right there on the mountain so close to the peak and made s’mores for the locals.

The s’mores were a hit (thanks to Austin), they don’t exist here. Marshmallows, if you can find them are a specialty item, very expensive and packaged differently. Graham crackers also do not exist here, they have cracker/biscuits that are close and would actually be really great on a s’more. They do have Hershey’s chocolate bars. Most were afraid to try, the bravest were eyed suspiciously, waiting for the poisoning to take effect. Yes, some thought we were trying to poison them. My favorite … 2 old guys each with a s’more in their hands, one eating one watching. Eyeing his own s’more and his buddies half eaten one, after much encouragement, he took a bite. He ended up eating at least two and then helped us make them by handing us the marshmallows to roast and stacking chocolate between the graham crackers for us to make and pass around, with sticky marshmallow cream stuck to his huge grin and whiskery chin. When the chocolate and graham crackers were gone we just roasted the marshmallows and passed the sticks around for people to pull off and eat the toasted sticky treat.

I could do this again. It was well worth the exhaustion and aching feet and legs. There are so many more stories I could tell, just enjoy the pictures. Thank you Eli, Austin, Christine and Robert. Thank you, Macedonia.

Macedonia expects foreign investment wave

2011-09-03T14:29:00.001-04:00

Macedonia expects foreign investment wave (SETimes.com):

Last week, top Macedonian officials were in Bunardzik – a free economic zone outside Skopje – to participate in a cornerstone laying ceremony for a new pharmaceutical plant.

The Russian company Prodis, part of the Protek holding group, is investing 5 million euros in the production facility, which is expected to create around 300 jobs. It is the latest sign that the Macedonian government's efforts to attract foreign investment and build economic growth are bearing fruit.

"The development of the free economic zones, particularly in Skopje, Tetovo and Bitola, is a goal through which we are trying to attract investments from other countries, but also from domestic companies," Economy Minister Valon Sarachini told SETimes

University American College professor Tome Nenovski agrees, arguing fiscal freedom and a 10% flat tax make for a very favourable business and investment environment.

"It translates into low land prices for investors and a policy of no capital gains tax and no personal income tax," Nenovski told SETimes

He also said the government offers investors an "investment premium" to repay 50% of the cost once a production facility is completed. Such was the case in attracting the US firm Johnson Controls.

There are additional investment enticements such as retirement and social security insurance, Nenovski said.

Protek Group's investment follows the recent purchase of Macedonian IK Bank by the Turkish Halkbank in July.

"We decided to invest in Macedonia because of the stable banking system and economy," Halkbank executive director in Skopje Judzel Inan said at a press conference.

Two German investments are also in the works in the automotive sector. The government estimates they will create 5,000 new jobs, overtaking previous German investments.

Kromberg & Schubert is to invest in a production facility for vehicle parts in Bitola. The name of the second firm has not been revealed, but it is expected to produce electrical units for vehicles.

The Turkish company Sisedzam, one of the world's largest manufacturers of glass and glass products, is about to complete its investment analysis. Sisedzam's investment is estimated to be between 50m and 60m euros.

By introducing a new minister for investment, Bill Pavleski, the government expects to further boost investment. Pavleski is a Harvard-trained MBA and a veteran of Hewlett Packard, where he has dealt with Fortune 1,000 companies.

Moreover, Macedonia's Agency for Investment Promotion appointed an additional six promoters in the United States, Great Britain, Turkey, Belgium, Canada and France, strengthening current activities.

Last February, the government adopted a package of reform laws to improve the conditions for work in construction, by reducing paperwork, associated costs and time needed to obtain documents.

"Macedonia Loves You”

2011-09-03T14:18:00.000-04:00

"Macedonia Loves You” :: EMGplus:

02. September 2011. | 11:01

The project "Macedonia Loves You" began in 2007 and promotes the beauty of Macedonia, friendship and understanding among the people since then. In 2010 the project "Macedonia Loves You" started other project "The Best Promoter of Macedonia" which ended with great success.

The project "Macedonia Loves You" has started the third edition of the websitewww.macedonialovesyou.com aimed at joining the celebration of the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Macedonia.

New edition focuses on promoting the idea Macedonia@20 and presenting the beauties of Macedonia through twenty words or twenty images. Macedonians and foreigners describe the country from their personal aspect.

The Professor of Chicago University described the Macedonian language in twenty words, while honorary consul in Belgium said that there are many adjectives than can be replaced with one word: Macedonian.

The Macedonians narrate about their biblical country, steeped in history...like a pearl hidden in its shell.

Macedonia@20 is a campaign open to all who like to share their impressions and reflections on beauties of Macedonia in 20 words or 20 images.

The project "Macedonia Loves You" began in 2007 and promotes the beauty of Macedonia, friendship and understanding among the people since then. In 2010 the project "Macedonia Loves You" started other project "The Best Promoter of Macedonia" which ended with great success. It second edition will begin on Sept. 14, 2011.

Irene Hurricane Victim Was Worker From Macedonia

2011-09-03T14:14:00.000-04:00

Irene victim in Wilmington was Mount Snow worker from Macedonia | Burlington Free Press |

Brent Hallenbeck

Wilmington Police Chief Joe Szarejko confirmed Monday afternoon that a 20-year-old woman from the Eastern European country of Macedonia drowned when the car she was in became trapped by flooding Sunday from the Deerfield River.Ivana Taseva, 20, was in southern Vermont on a work program at the Mount Snow ski area in Dover as part of its housekeeping staff, Szarejko said. She, her boyfriend and two other men came upon an area covered in water while driving Sunday, Szarejko said. They were unable to drive away, he said, and the car began to be swept away by the floodwaters. Taseva and her boyfriend tried unsuccessfully to get to higher ground, and while he was able to hold onto the car, Szarejko said Taseva was swept away. All three men escaped uninjured.

It's In The Little Things... Skopje, Macedonia - As We Travel - Travel Videos & Travel Blog

2011-09-03T10:05:00.001-04:00

It's In The Little Things... Skopje, Macedonia - As We Travel - Travel Videos & Travel Blog:

Since our planning was so rushed, we decided to skip the beautiful lake Ohrid and stay in the capital – apparently, the capital city isn’t known to be a great hot spot for tourists …

”The most popular thing to do in Skopje is to leave” - people said on the internet.

Although I have to admit it was a funny answer to my question of things to do in Skopje, like many times before, other people’s thoughts of a place wouldn’t keep me from going there.

Arriving in Skopje I kind of realize what they were talking about. The train station looked so run down that we wondered if it was closing down, and the tourism information center was nowhere to be seen.

People kept pointing in opposite directions leading to nowhere, and we soon realised that there was no such thing as a tourist information center in Skopje, and no real maps of the city either…

And with a video episode to film, we were wondering how it would turn out.

The main attraction in Skopje for example, the castle, had suddenly closed without any warning.

The tour groups coming in buses all the way from other places like Ohrid, only to see this castle, were rudely informed in the gates that it was closed due to ”politics”, and disappointed they had to go back to their buses and return home.

But once we got to the city center, it turned out not to be too difficult to fill the day.

Skopje was actually a really nice place, and most people seemed so happy to see the very few tourists that were strolling the streets.

”Skopje GOOD!” a man yelled at us on the street and smiled proudly.

”Welcome to Skopje!” someone else said on a market, and asked us to take a photo of him, while the neighboring stall keepers laughed without being able to hide their excitement.

Being one of the few tourists there we had many people staring at us, and when asking for directions in a bar the worker would actually drop everything, come with us outside and lead us through the whole city to show us his favorite cafe.

This is what I love about smaller places, often in places like this people take more time for each other and treat you with a lot more respect.

It’s all in the little things…

Robert Kaplan's "Balkan Ghosts" ... Really Bad Book!

2011-09-02T15:01:00.001-04:00

David Edenden
Here are my posts regarding Robert D. Kaplan.

Which IR books have bored, misled, or wreaked more damage than any others? |
Prof. Daniel Drezner
Daniel W. Drezner: "
6. Robert D. Kaplan, Balkan Ghosts.

Kaplan argued that "ancient hatreds" guaranteed perpetual conflict in the Balkans. According to his aides, this book heavily influenced Bill Clinton's reluctance to intervene in the Balkans for the first two years of his presidency. "

WikiLeaks: US Ambassador Reeker - "Greeks and Bulgarians Conspire Against Macedonia"

2011-09-02T13:17:00.001-04:00

"SUBJECT: MACEDONIA: LESSONS LEARNED FROM NATO ADVISORY TEAM"

US Ambassador Reeker

Classified By: Ambassador Reeker for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

1(C) Summary: The assignment of Bulgarians to both the commander and deputy positions of the NATO Advisory Team for Macedonia is not in U.S. interests. End summary.

2(C) We learned off-line in early June that Bulgaria was the only Ally who volunteered to fill the "Chief NAT" position in Skopje, i.e., the deputy position at the NATO Advisory Team for Macedonia. As we understood it, the plan had been for the former Dutch DATT to take the Chief NAT position, but it appears that the Dutch government did not move precipitously to effect this. We then worked with Naples, USNATO, SHAPE, and the Dutch to turn this around, but it now appears that the Dutch DATT will almost certainly not be assigned, and the momentum remains that the next Chief NAT will be a Bulgarian. A Bulgarian, Commodore Valentin Gagashev, already holds the NAT Commander slot.

3(C) The negative consequences for NATO's engagement in Macedonia could be significant. Bulgaria and Macedonia are wary neighbors at best. Part of the larger Macedonian region became part of Bulgaria as a consequence of the Balkan Wars, and Bulgarian fascists occupied present-day Macedonia during World War II. To this day, there are elements in Bulgaria who consider the modern state of Macedonia as a historical mistake, and many Bulgarians do not recognize the Macedonian language as separate from their own. While a number of Macedonians work in Bulgaria and hold Bulgarian passports as a matter of convenience, we should not mistake this for deep affection. We have unsubstantiated reports that elements in the Bulgarian embassy here are working closely with Greek colleagues on activities that are not in our interests.

4(C) Regardless of the intentions of the new Chief NAT, it makes no sense from a NATO perspective that the commander and chief would come from the same country, especially a neighbor, and especially a country so new to the Alliance. Macedonia, and our interests here, would be far better served -- as in the past -- by a NAT leadership steeped in NATO experience from established Allies with no "negative baggage" here (such as Greece). Macedonia needs advisors in the NAT who have established relationships within NATO and know how to manage the unique bureaucracy at SHAPE. This is why the Dutch DATT was the ideal choice. When CHOD LTG Stojanovski learned that the new Chief NAT would be from Bulgaria, he was incensed and called SHAPE immediately. His response should have been predictable: many Macedonians do not trust Bulgaria. Thus the assignment of Bulgarians to run the NAT calls into question NATO's commitment to Macedonia, especially since a number of Macedonian military contacts had told us that they viewed the assignment of the Dutch DATT as a signal of NATO's commitment to again send its "A-team" here.

5(C) The new NAT commander, Commodore Gagashev, is by all accounts a professional and working in good faith. While we understand he privately believes it would be a mistake for his deputy to also be a Bulgarian, he cannot force the issue within his national command structure. While it is likely too late for the Dutch DATT to be assigned to this position, we would ask that Washington, USNATO, and Embassy Sofia work to issue to ensure a better outcome for U.S. and NATO interests in Macedonia.

REEKER

Macedonia - Holiday Hotspot - Telegraph

2011-09-02T12:49:00.001-04:00

Once strife riven countries that have become holiday hotspots - Telegraph:

"Macedonia:"

Summary: The people of Macedonia were on the receiving end of oppression from the Greeks in particular and earlier from the Turks, Bulgarians and Serbians. They constantly fought for their independence since and civil rights but until 1944 were denied their right to exist as an independent state. Despite having been proclaimed an independent state in 1944, however, as late as 1995, Greece was still refusing to recognise the existence of Macedonia or accept its right to use the name ‘Macedonia’ for the country, nation and language. This was because of Greece’s fears that Macedonia would lay cultural claim over Aegean Macedonia.

Holiday Attractions:

The wide variety of churches and monasteries. The museums in Macedonia which display nearly 3000 years worth of history and ancient culture. The physical landscape of the country also makes it a popular destination, especially the lakes and small villages and mountainous countryside which make it popular with walkers and nature lovers. Other tourist attractions include the fortresses including Marko’s Fortress, Skopje’s Fortress and Samuel’s Fortress which are significant historical monuments and ‘reflect the architectural grandeur of contemporary periods’, according to mapsoftheworld.com.

Macedonians at White House Meeting on Immigration Reform

2011-09-02T12:46:00.000-04:00

White House Meeting

Broadening the Conversation on Immigration Reform | The White House:

"Immigration is at the beginning of every American story. Since this country’s founding, immigrants and the children of immigrants have built America’s cities, fought in our wars, and helped to author our history. The issue of immigration reform, then, is one whose importance extends beyond the boundaries of any single demographic. Last week, leaders from a variety of ethnic communities – from Irish, to Polish, to Macedonian and many others - met at the White House to discuss the way forward on immigration reform."

Stop the Lustration NOW!

2011-09-02T12:40:00.000-04:00

By David Edenden

Macedonia needs a "peace and reconciliation" process using the South African model rather than the current witch hunt model. Lustration only serves to divide ethnic Macedonians at a crucial time when we need unity.

Stop Lustration now!

Macedonia makes progress on lustration (SETimes.com):
10/08/2011"

The latest uncovered spy for the once dreaded Yugoslav secret police is the Open Society Institute director Vladimir Milchin.
By Misko Taleski for Southeast European Times in Skopje -- 10/08/11

Lustration Commission President Tome Adziev. [Courtesy of the Lustration Commission of Macedonia]
Macedonia advanced the lustration process by announcing the file of a third person who freely collaborated with the Yugoslav secret police in the 1970s and 1980s.
Initially the Lustration Commission did not offer any personal details about the informant except the file name "dramaturg" (theatre director).
However, recognising himself in the file, theatre director Vladimir Milchin -- better known as the director of George Soros' Open Society Institute -- hastily organised a press conference proclaiming himself a victim, not a collaborator.
"In a political lynching, the procedures, law, democracy, even the people suffer. My dignity is not protected because I have been labeled [guilty] before obtaining confirmation about the file," Milchin said.
He also insisted that procedural rules had been violated, given his request in 2000 to keep the file secret until 2047. The then government granted his request.
"The request ... concerns protection of his secrecy in relation to the public, not the institutions which are required to act according to the law. In fact, he introduced himself to the public at the press conference, while we consistently protected that person's identity," Lustration Commission President Tome Adziev told SETimes.
He said that given the sensitivity of the subject matter, the commission is particularly keen to follow all laws and procedures. "Not a single case is politically motivated or instrumentalised. If we make a mistake somewhere, the courts are here to correct us," Adziev said.
Furthermore, the Commission determined that Milchin's claim is untrue. His 217-page file contains information he supplied to secret police operatives. They classified him as having "anarchist-liberal views" which, like other such informants, provided fertile ground for spying on dissidents such as actor Risto Shishkov.
Political analyst Biljana Vankovska welcomed the lustration of Milchin and explained it is not a punitive but preventative measure. However, she also argued the case serves more to counter the negative public reactions stemming from the recent amnesty given to four Albanian war crimes suspects.
"It clearly has to do with defocusing [public attention], having in mind that Milchin had created much antipathy on the part of the public," Vankovska told SETimes.
She is referring to Milchin allegedly financing his political party's campaigns with Soros foundation money, as well as the activities of A1 TV owner Velija Ramkovski, for which he is criminally charged.
Journalist Sashe Ivanovski says society at large supports the continuation of the lustration, which it views as a positive and necessary process that is pre-emptive in nature.
"Macedonians were sent by the hundreds to infamous gulags like Goli Otok because of their stated national and political ideals, and their families' accumulated hurt and anger are understandable. Only by continuing to conduct the lustration correctly will we cleanse society of those [structures] that poison it," Ivanovski told SETimes.
Adziev explained that by law, anyone who holds a public function must submit a written, notarised statement that they had not collaborated with the former secret services. The law stipulates a three-year jail sentence for a false claim.
Like Milchin, the previously uncovered spy and constitutional court president Trandafil Ivanovski also denied being a collaborator. Ivanovski, however, announced he will appeal his case at the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg.
This content was commissioned for SETimes.com.

Macedonia: name dispute or ethnic misdeeds? - On Line Opinion - 12/8/2011

2011-09-02T12:25:00.001-04:00

Macedonia: name dispute or ethnic misdeeds? - On Line Opinion - 12/8/2011:

Metodija A. Koloski is president of United Macedonian Diaspora, an international nongovernmental and nonpartisan organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.

In August 1903, Macedonian patriots rose against the Ottoman Empire. While they won Macedonian independence for only a limited time, it was clear that Macedonian national consciousness was alive.

Today, there is a nonsensical “dispute” about the same land, as Greece denies the right of the Republic of Macedoniato call itself by that name. In doing so, Greece disregards the United Nations Charter’s admonition that all people have the right to self-determination. Greece’s stated basis for this “dispute” is that the Republic of Macedonia supposedly harbors “territorial ambitions” toward northern Greece. The Greek government also claims Macedonia misappropriates “Greek history.”

The Republic of Macedonia amended its constitution to unequivocally disclaim any “territorial ambitions,” and it changed national symbols to remove “Greek” connections. But Greek government intransigence persists.

The real reason for the “dispute” is that, since Greece forcibly took possession of a large part of historical Macedonia following the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, it has denied the existence of the Macedonian people and ruthlessly pursued a policy of forced assimilation. These actions constitute genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention (to which Greece is bound).

Specifically, Greek governments have harassed, jailed and even tortured those who spoke Macedonian or otherwise practiced their cultural heritage. Greek governments also forcibly changed city names, family names, and even names on gravestones from their true Macedonian names to “Greek” ones. And, as documented in recent U.S. State Department Human Rights Reports, Greece has even denied entry into Greece to U.S. citizens, born in Greece, but whose names are not “Greek” (e.g., Gatzoulis is “Greek”, but Gatzova isn’t).

Greece took these actions “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”… by “[c]ausing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group” or “deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” (Genocide Convention, Article II)

An independent Macedonian state is anathema to Greece because it is an embarrassing reminder of Greece’s failed attempts to wipe out the Macedonian people. This policy led to massive migrations of Macedonian-identifying people to America, Australia and Canada and, sadly, also to some Macedonians identifying themselves (at least publicly) as Greek.

The international community has rejected Greece’s heavy handed position: more than 120 countries — including America, Canada, China and Russia — recognise the Republic of Macedonia by its constitutional name. In fact, Greece’s own top diplomat to the Republic of Macedonia, Dora Grosomanidou, stated on July 8 to the Financial Timesthat “Greece has to face the new reality, as the… Republic of Macedonia has been recognized under its constitutional name [Macedonia] by more than half of the members of the U.N.” The Greek government sacked her the very next day.

The Greek lobby continues to misrepresent the “name dispute.” Recently, it began a campaign to undermine the U. S. government’s decision to recognise the Republic of Macedonia’s constitutional name. The lobby has forced the issue onto the U.S. Congress by seeking passage of legislative resolutions reciting various Greek misrepresentations. Their bogus arguments include that Macedonians are really just Bulgarians or Serbs and that Macedonia is a haven for terrorists.

The claim that Macedonians are Bulgarians or Serbs is false and tellingly callous. Ethnographers and historians have concluded that Macedonians are a separate people. Greek claims also are undercut by historical Greek census data revealing the Macedonian language was spoken in northern Greece in the 1920s, counted separately from Bulgarian, Greek and Serbian. Furthermore, the Greek government in the late 1920s published, but later banned and burned, several thousand-grammar books for Macedonian schoolchildren, written in Macedonian.

A new false Greek claim, which emerged after brief civil unrest in Macedonia in 2001, is the outrageous allegation that Macedonia is a haven for terrorists. The opposite is true: Macedonia has been a staunch U.S. ally, particularly in the War on Terror. For example, Macedonia has deployed, beginning shortly after September 11, 2001, about 200 troops to Afghanistan and Iraq. Moreover, through its diligent efforts at building a democratic, free market and pro-Western state, Macedonia is poised for entry into NATO.

While sentiment toward the United States in Macedonia is overwhelmingly positive, the opposite is true in Greece, as it regularly ranks near the bottom in surveys of attitudes toward the U.S. In January 2007, the U.S. Embassy was hit by a rocket attack from a Greek terrorist group, “Revolutionary Struggle,” itself a spin-off of the notorious Marxist terrorist group, “17 November,” which murdered several U.S. diplomats and military personnel, including a CIA station chief. Yet, ironically, we are asked to believe Macedonia is a haven for terrorists and that Greeks are pro-American.

The Republic of Macedonia has done more than enough to demonstrate it does not harbor claims on Greek territory. It is high time for Greece to act responsibly and cease its ugly gamesmanship aimed at covering up its misdeeds. It is only logical that those whose roots are in Macedonia should be able to identify as Macedonians.

Barbara Frye Boss, Morton Abramowitz, is an Idiotic Piece of Pond Scum and an Anti_Macedonian Racist

2011-09-02T12:22:00.001-04:00

By David Edenden

For the "pond scum" reference see here.

In the early 1990's the majority of people of Yugoslavia did not want to see it continue as a country. The US/EU/Nato helped to dispatch it because it was in their interest that Yugoslavia cease to exist as a country.

Today, the majority of people of Bosnia ... that is the Serbs and Croats ... do not want to see Bosnia continue as a country. The US/EU/Nato have twisted themselves into a pretzel to see that it continues as one country because it is in their interests, notwithstanding to views of the majority of the people of Bosnia.

Because he is a vampire, Morton Abramowitz and his International Crisis Group have never been quoted about the repression of ethnic Macedonians in Greece. In addition, this piece of work was Us Ambassador to Turkey while the Turkish Kurds were being wiped off the map. Nice!

Interview: Morton Abramowitz On The 'End Of Bosnia': "
Morton Abramowitz
RFE/RL: Do you think that Bosnia should join NATO and do you think it would provide some sense of security to all ethnic groups?

Abramowitz: I think it would be useful if Bosnia could join NATO, as I believe it useful if the Greeks would stop preventing Macedonia from joining NATO. I think it would be a step forward, but I'm not quite sure that all parties in Bosnia would agree to it and I don't think it resolves the fundamental issue of how to reduce the ethnic abrasions and move forward. There are some people who are more optimistic about the impact of that; I'm not. But I'm obviously not opposed to it.
"

‘Third Halftime’ filming kicks off on September 10 – film about Macedonian Jewish Coach | Rictandag's Blog

2011-09-02T11:57:00.001-04:00

By David Edenden

At one time, Steven Spielberg was associated with this film concept, but he seems to have lost interest. Macedonia is to proceed on its own.

‘Third Halftime’ filming kicks off on September 10 – film about Macedonian Jewish Coach | Rictandag's Blog:

Posted on August 30, 2011 by rictandag
Filming of Darko Mitrevski’s ‘Third Half’ kicks off on September 10 in Ohrid, the movie’s director & scriptwriter said Wednesday at a press conference.
The seven-week process will also take place in Skopje and Bitola.
The film is based on a true story about the football team ‘Macedonia’ (FC Vardar predecessor), which under a leadership of Jewish coach, manages become a champion of “fascist soccer League” in 1942. The movie also depicts the life in Macedonia under fascist occupation and sufferings of Macedonia’s Jews at the time.
The new film has been prepared for ten years, Mitreski said.

“I have been living with this story for ten years. Historic movies about football, Holocaust, WWII are not being made every day. This is an epic film and for it to be presented on the screen sets that don’t exist anymore are required. We have been filming across Macedonia to find the most interesting locations, as we wish for the ‘Third Halftime’ to also be a postcard of our country’s mystique, exoticism,” said Mitrevski.
Sasko Kocev and Katerina Ivanovska (Macedonia’s fashion model) are selected for the main roles of Kosta and Rebeka. The actors’ crew also include Richard Sammel, Rade Serbedzija, Emil Ruben, Toni Mihajlovski … and many others.
Macedonian Government declared the movie to be of national interest and granted EUR one million for its realization. Macedonia’s Film Fund participated with EUR 500,000, while The Sparkasse Bank is the general sponsor. Macedonia’s Jewish Community and its Holocaust Fund also made contributions.
via macedoniaonline.eu
The film is based on a true story about the football team ‘Macedonia’ (FC Vardar predecessor), which under a leadership of Jewish coach, manages become a champion of “fascist soccer League” in 1942. The movie also depicts the life in Macedonia under fascist occupation and sufferings of Macedonia’s Jews at the time.
http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/18997/45/

Kosovo Albanian Confesses To Killing U.S. Airmen

2011-09-02T11:46:00.000-04:00

Kosovo Albanian Confesses To Killing U.S. Airmen: "

Arid Uka (left) talks with his lawyer Michaela Roth as he arrives for the start of his trial in Frankfurt.

August 31, 2011

A Kosovo Albanian man has confessed to shooting dead two U.S. airmen and wounding two others at Frankfurt airport in March.

The man, 21-year-old Arid Uka, told a German court on August 31 that he was inspired by Islamic extremist propaganda on the Internet.

He confessed to shooting U.S. airmen at point-blank range as they prepared to board a bus at Frankfurt airport, saying he wanted revenge for U.S. operations in Afghanistan.

Prosecutors have said there is no evidence he was part of an organized terrorist network.

Albanian Killer of US Troops

2011-09-02T11:41:00.001-04:00

By David Edenden

For some reason, the Washington Times does not want to identify this terrorist killer as an ethnic Albanian from Kosovo ... I wonder why?

Daily Caller: Balkan Muslim says murders spurred by film - Washington Times:

A Balkan Muslim who killed two U.S. Air Force servicemen in March told a German judge Wednesday that he was motivated by the movie “Redacted,” which was made as a political statement in 2007 by Hollywood director Brian De Palma, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and several high-profile movie industry producers."

Macedonian Refugees Hail Softened Greece Line :: Balkan Insight

2011-09-02T11:36:00.000-04:00

Macedonian Refugees Hail Softened Greece Line :: Balkan Insight: "29 JUN 2011 / 10:40

The association of Macedonian refugees, which lobbies for people forced to flee northern Greece during the Greek civil war from 1945 to 1949, says Greece is slowly changing its attitude towards them.

Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Skopje

An archive photograph of Macedonian refugees taken near today's Greek-Macedonian border

A few years ago, Macedonian refugees from Greece said they faced an impenetrable wall of Greek bureaucracy when they tried to obtain citizenship in Greece, the country where they were born.

Greek citizenship will help them in their struggle to regain their lost property there.

But now matters appear to have changed. “Greece understood our message that our demands are not political and something in their attitude has definitely changed in the past few months,” Georgi Donevski, head of the Association of Macedonian Refugees from Greece, said.

Donevski says that in the last six months alone some 300 members of the association got long-awaited Greek citizenship.

“This is encouraging because up until now they [Greek state] did not even want to hear about us. They told us that the old books where we were listed were gone, burned or lost," he said. "Now the books mysteriously re-appeared and civil servants in the municipalities are accepting us and listening to our needs,” Donevski added.

Greece still officially does not recognize those who fled from the country in the 1940s as refugees and for decades refused to issue citizenship to them or their descendants.

A controversial old law that says only “ethnic Greeks” can receive Greek citizenship is still in force in the country, but Donevski says Greece has obviously ceased to implement it so strictly.

In the new citizenships issued to members of his association, Donevski notes that they obtained the right by being born in Greek territory, not by being ethnic Greeks.

In absence of hard historical evidence about their numbers, some historians say that as many as 100,000 ethnic Macedonians fled northern Greece during the war between the right-wing monarchist government and the Democratic Army of Greece, which was controlled by the Greek Communist party.

Most of the refugees were either members of or sympathisers with the defeated side, who feared for their lives from the winning nationalists.

During the last count in 2008 and 2009 by the Skopje-based Association of Macedonian Refugees, some 10,000 people registered as members. Lawyers then estimated that all together their demands in terms of property werw worth billions of euro.

The issue of the Macedonian refugees is just one unresolved question between the two neighbours alongside the long-standing dispute over use of the name Macedonia. Greece argues that use of the word Macedonia implies territorial claims towards the northern Greek province of the same name.

Bilateral relations hit a new low in 2008 when Athens blocked Skopje’s NATO accession bid, saying the country needed to change its name first.

That year, Macedonia's Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski, wrote to his then Greek counterpart, Kostas Karamanlis, demanding recognition of the Macedonian minority in Greece and the return of property to Macedonian refugees.

Karamanlis replied that this was a non-issue for Greece, repeating the official Greek stance that no Macedonian minority exists in Greece.

“As for any property issues, any individual can take legal recourse before the Courts, including the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg,” Karamanlis said.

Refugees say that Macedonia has since then been passive and has done little to help them. This issue was not mentioned in public during the series of meetings that Gruevski had in 2010 with the current Greek Prime Minister, George Papandreou.

Lake Ohrid in Macedonia | Chill Out Spots

2011-08-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

Lake Ohrid in Macedonia | Chill Out Spots:
by Erinna Kingsley"

Lake Ohrid is one of Mecedonia’s most sought after chill out spots, and the biggest and most stunning of Macedonia’s three tectonic lakes.

Lake Ohrid in Macedonia

It’s extraordinarily clean and crystal clear waters, along with the peaceful stillness of its mountain surroundings have enthralled travellers since the beginning of time. Lake Ohrid is fed water from three rivers, however most of its water comes from Lake Prespa, located on the opposite side of Mountain Galicica.

The natural wonder of Lake Ohrid’s encompassing countryside and pristine, turquoise water has made the city of Ohrid one of those hidden places that has become an internationally famous summer holiday destination. In Ohrid you’ll find lush vegetation, wonderful bays, Lake Ohrid beaches and even submarine locations, all amazing ways to explore, have fun and unwind.

If you’re looking for some livelier chill out spots, you’ll find countless pubs, night clubs and restaurants along the waterfront. The restaurants in the city of Ohrid provide a huge collection of national and international beer, an amazing wine list and mouth watering delicacies. You can sit back and enjoy the sunset while you enjoy a romantic dinner along the beautiful waters of the lake. If you’re more into casual dining, you’ll also find everything from local specialties to pizza along the water or in the old town area. No matter where you want to eat or drink, all the cafes and restaurants are within easy walking distance or just a quick taxi ride away.

If you’re just up for a nightcap or looking for a place to relax, you can visit one of the Lake Ohrid’s café’s for a beer or a specialty coffee with a sweet pastry. Most of these cafes offer lovely views of the breathtaking lake. Because of Lake Ohrid’s rich history, overwhelming, natural beauty and perfect Mediterranean climate, you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to relax, take it easy and just enjoy the moment.

Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, and in 1979 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. Its unique aquatic ecosystem has been lovingly preserved, along with its over 200 endemic species. Seeing is believing so while visiting, you should explore one of its many trails that present awe-inspiring views, spectacular scenery, as well as a variety of rare species. You’ll want to explore with a mountain guide if you aren’t familiar with the area. This is a good thing because they will also enrich your experience with their knowledge regarding the history of the lake and the wildlife, including wolves, boars, bears and more.

The eastern coast of Lake Ohrid it the most stunning. It’s part of the Galicica National Park and protected by UNESCO. Lake Ohrid is known as one of the best chill out spots in the region because it gives you everything you could ever want in a relaxing vacation, combining nature, water fun and even a little partying at the end of your day.

Getting to Lake Ohrid, one of our favorite, picture perfect chill out spots is easy. Ohrid International Airport is located near the city center and links Ohrid with Amsterdam, Belgrade, Dusseldorf, Ljubljana, Tel Aviv, Vienna and Zurich.

Stephen M. Walt and "The Jews"

2011-08-21T08:29:00.002-04:00

By David Edenden

Stephen M. Walt

Stephen M. Walt has co-written a controversial book on "The Israel (read Jewish) Lobby". If he had written a scholarly book on how politicians cave and betray their country and their own values for very small number of votes, from a wide variety of ethnic groups, then there would be no problem.

Saying that "the Jews" control US policy towards Israel is like saying the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. However, singling out only "the Jews" for undue influence on government policy is where we run into a problem.

Stephen ... you know the Jews ... the have a poker up their butt when it comes to even a whiff of antisemitism.

I, as an ethnic Macedonian from Greece, (see here also) have a huge poker up my butt regarding the Greek lobby and its influence in US politics. (more on this in a later post).

In addition to the Israeli lobby, Stephen, you should have addressed the Greek, Armenian, Cuban and for historical purposes ... the China lobby.

Stephen, it would not take too much of an effort to embrace and extend your original work.

Is the United States in Danger of Collapse? | Stephen M. Walt

A fourth source of foolish decisions is the well-known tendency for individuals to act in ways that are in their own selfish interest but not in the interest of the society as a whole. The "tragedy of the commons" is a classic illustration of this problem, but one sees the same basic dynamic whenever a narrow interest group's preferences are allowed to trump the broader national interest. Tariffs to protect particular industries or foreign policies designed to appease a particular domestic constituency are obvious cases in point.

Macedonian Language Page At The Peel District School Board

2011-08-21T06:24:00.000-04:00

By David Edenden

Nice!

Peel District School Board - Macedonian

The Sheer Mendacity of Gordon Robertson

2011-08-21T06:03:00.003-04:00

By David Edenden

Gordon Robertson
10th Sec Gen of NATO

Gord, when I read comments like your's below ... I just want to SPIT!

Go to Greece and be the first EU politician to appear on the new proposed Macedonian language radio station. Denounce Greek racism against its ethnic Macedonian minority. Introduce a resolution for an EU/Nato reparations program for Greece's ethnic Macedonian minority. Sell Macedonian language books, CDs, videos on the streets of Florina/Lerin. (Don't get shot).

Go back to the Scottish Parliament, kneel down and ask for forgiveness for aiding and abetting the cultural genocide of ethnic Macedonians in Greece!

Anyway ... God bless and don't be a stranger!

Macedonia should join NATO, Skopje and Athens can reach a compromise - former NATO chief :: EMG :: SEE news:

Referring to the 10th anniversary of the Ohrid Accord, Robertson notes that it is a classic example of how a country can solve all of its problems through committment and leadership demonstrated by then president Trajkovski. "It can serve as a model for solving similar conflicts in the region."

"The Ohrid Agreement can be considered a model for settling minority rights and issues, because the treatment of minorities is and will become an increasing issue, which requires resolutions," Robertson stresses.

Where's The Outrage ... Greek Racist Priest!

2011-08-21T05:33:00.002-04:00

By David Edenden

I have no doubt that should this priest show up in Florida, he would be greeted .... warmily ... by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen ... there's the bub!

United Macedonian Diaspora - UMD Calls For Greek Metropolitan's Excommunication: UMD Calls For Greek Metropolitan's Excommunication
Saturday, 20 August 2011

August 20, 2011 – Washington, D.C. – The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) expressed its outrage at Sunday’s sermon by Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki (Solun).* He called upon Greek youth and others to join him in 40-50 buses, travel to the town of Meliti (Ovcharani),* and destroy a planned Macedonian language radio station.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul oversees the Holy Metropolises of the “New Lands,” including Thessaloniki (Solun). In a letter, UMD called upon the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to publically condemn Anthimos’s incitements to violence, and to initiate proceedings for his immediate excommunication.
“Anthimos is a shameful embarrassment to all of Orthodoxy and should be stripped of his title by the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy and Sacred Synod,” said UMD President Metodija A. Koloski. “This rhetoric is barbaric and injurious to Greece, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox Church. Instead of promoting Christian values of peace, tolerance and togetherness, Anthimos uses his position of trust to incite the Greek nation to ethnic hatred and violence. As a Christian leader, Anthimos's speech is completely unacceptable, and he deserves to be excommunicated.”
On Sunday, August 14, 2011, Metropolitan Anthimos stated the following, which was captured on video:
"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."
Despite nominal leadership from the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul, the Greek Orthodox Church is enshrined in the Greek constitution as the "prevailing" religion, and the state pays the clergy's salaries and pensions. "The Greek State's use of the clergy to terrorize Macedonians in northern Greece has a long and bloody history, going back to the likes of Bishop Germanos Karavangelis, who ordered beheadings in the streets of Kostur,*" said UMD Voice Magazine Editor Mark Branov. "It is long past due for the Greek Orthodox Church to fully adhere to Christian principles of love and tolerance, and for the Greek state to use its laws for something other than persecuting national minorities."
Today, UMD also urged the Macedonian minority in Meliti (Ovcharani), the Mayor of that town, Panagiotis Anastasiadis (Pande Ashlakov),** and the organizers of said radio station to bring a case against Metropolitan Anthimos, and ask the Public Prosecutor to lay appropriate charges under Greek law. UMD believes Metropolitan Anthimos’s public appeal for violence is a clear violation of Greek law, and the Public Prosecutor must intervene.

-----------------------------------
Notes:
*Solun and Ovcharani are the Macedonian names of these cities prior to the Greek state forcibly renaming them Thessaloniki and Meliti, respectively. Kostur is the Macedonian name of the city in Greece, Kastoria.
**Pande Ashlakov is the Macedonian name of the Mayor of Ovcharani; however, due to anachronistic and remarkably oppressive laws of the Greek state and the Greek Orthodox Church, one may not be baptized in Greece without a “Greek” name.
-----------------------------------
Video of Bishop Anthimos's sermon in full (in Greek):http://belomorskamacedonia.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-post_15.html
Translation below:In the difficulties and storms we face in our lives, as I mentioned before, those we have next to us are included. I do not say this myself, it is in a prestigious newspaper, and I am saying also its name . . . is “The Investor’s World” of last Sunday’s issue. You cannot read it from there, I am showing it with the newspaper, so you will not think this is a rumor or something we invented . . . I will tell you, because you cannot read it from a distance . . . “in preparation is a radio station of the Skopians [sic] in Greece”. Do you hear that? And also those who are watching us, do you hear that? “Representatives self-defining as Macedonians announced through a newspaper in Fyrom [sic] that they have already got a license and are preparing to broadcast in their idiom [sic]. The president of the Florina municipality district of Meliti, Panagiotis Anastasiadis, who likes to be named also with a Skopian name [sic], announced a radio station that will broadcast in the slav-Macedonian idiom [sic]”. On the top there is the internet address of the newspaper that announces the operation of such radio station. What can I say to you? The newspaper is valid, and here, this guy has made a statement and is about an interview he gave to a Skopian [sic] newspaper: “The member of the Rainbow Party and president of the municipal district of Meliti Panagiotis Anastasiadis or, as he likes to be named, Pande Ashlakov” who among other statements against Greece and some against us, is saying that “We are ready, we have the license ready and we will take it and start the broadcasting of the radio station.” Is this possible, I ask you? Can we Greeks go and make radio stations in any Balkan country or any other? What’s happening here? 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 have, of course, Greek origin and live here but were brought up for many years with their conditions. So, those who stayed here or who took care to stay here, are now revolting and are instigated from abroad by the Skopian [sic] propaganda, together with the other things they are doing, like statues, etc. and are trying to create this issue . . . They will make also a TV station. And now I beg and ask this moment: Mr. president of the region of Central Macedonia, because they are saying they will address to all Macedonians and also the Thessalonikians, their announcement says, Mr. president of the region of Western Macedonia, gentlemen of the remaining secretariat of the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace we had but was abolished (I complained then to Mr. Papandreou, and he told me “no, we will have a substitute”. What substitute, there is nothing!). To whom we can address to tell us what is going to be with this? 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 be become in Meliti and by which the Skopian [sic] propaganda will be broadcast inside Greece, so they will create an issue in Macedonia, yes or no? If it is yes, then I and the youth, and anyone who wants to, I will say it like I feel it, I do not know what will happen, if we say yes and they do it, at least 40-50 buses must go there and together with our brothers in Florina and Meliti, we will destroy everything into broken glass and nails. Otherwise it is not possible to do the job differently . . .
Previous UMD Press Releases related to Metropolitan Anthimos:April 1, 2011: http://umdiaspora.org/content/view/554/52/April 6, 2010: http://umdiaspora.org/content/view/467/52/November 7, 2007: http://umdiaspora.org/content/view/277/66/

Thomas Brey Is A Vampire and Supporter of Greek Racism!

2011-08-21T04:59:00.002-04:00

By David Edenden

Thomas Brey
(He's not pretty)

This article below by Thomas Brey, who heads the Balkan office of the German DPA news agency, is an example of the uphill battle Macedonians have in their struggle against Greek racism. He is "soooo" concerned about Greek sensibilities but ignores Greece's attempt to wipe its ethnic Macedonian minority off the map.

I doubt that he will every write about the Greek priest's conspiracy to burn down the proposed Macedonian language radio station in Greece. Remember, Greece's minority rights values are, by definition EU and Nato values and naturally German values. Even at a time when Greece has made a mess of Europe's (and German's) finances, our friend Thomas still finds it in his heart to weep for Greece's racist ideology.

Nick, next time this fascist sets foot in the Republic of Macedonia waterboard him ... (remember waterboarding ins not torture)!

Skopje-Athens dispute: Who "owns" Alexander the Great? -
Monsters and Critic, By Thomas Brey Aug 21, 2011,

Greece has been insisting on a change of name for the Balkan state. Internationally, Skopje has thus been acting under the bulky name of 'Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.'

Every attentive student knows from history class that Alexander the Great belongs to Greece just like the Acropolis in Athens.

And still Greek history professor Basi Gounaris in Thessaloniki says, 'This conflict is never going to be solved, I'll bet my money on that.'

'What Skopje is doing is nationalism in the style of the 19th century,' he adds, condemning the recent events.

And in Greece, no political party would take the risk of solving the problem - history is the only thing 'that keeps the Greek population together,' the professor adds.

'Antique history is of such tremendous value for us that we cannot accept any compromise.'

Hey Barbara Frye ... Are Albanians "Pond Scum" for Intimidating Ethnic Macedonians?

2011-08-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

By David Edenden

For the "pond scum" reference see here.

If the International Crisis Group, Transitions On Line, Radio Free Europe and other institutes-for-fascists-in-training comes to the aid of the ethnic Macedonians in Albania I will run naked through the streets of Washington singing God Bless America!

However, as we all know the US/EU/NATO position is that Albanians get the elevator while Macedonians get the shaft.

Deryougo!

Macedonians and Greeks Join Forces against Albanian Census:
MINA Breaking News -
Friday, 19 August 2011

Ethnic Macedonians and Greeks in Albania have joined forces against official Tirana which has undertaken steps of intimidation against the minorities living there.

According to article 20 of the Census law, there is a $1,000 fine for each citizen who at the census will declare themselves anything other than what was written down on their birth certificate. If this is not intimidating, Albania has said it would jail citizens that would refuse to declare or be counted in the census.

In other words you can say you are Albanian, or the other option is $1,000 fine or jail?

"Official Tirana attempts to hide the true number of Macedonians. They recognize Macedonians in Mala Pespa, but there are plenty of Macedonians in Gora, Golo Brdo, Korcha, Elbasan, Tirana, Drach, Bilista etc" says Edmond Temelko, president of the Macedonian political party.

The Greek minority in Albania agrees with the Macedonian party.

"Albania's census law is discriminatory and inhumane. We have already said that articles 20 and 21 of the Census laws are unacceptable for us. How do you punish and fine someone for declaring their own nationality or if we refuse to sign the census forms", says Tanas Kochi from Greek organization "Omonia".

Both the Macedonian and Greek organization have requested to have their own representatives in the census organization to make sure census numbers are not abused. At the very least the minorities have requested the census be delayed by six months until their demands are met.Numerous minority groups in Albania claim their numbers are at least 30% of the population, or around 1 million.

Official Tirana puts its number of minorities at 80,000.

Barbara Frye is an Idiotic Piece of Pond Scum and an Anti_Macedonian Racist

2011-08-19T15:06:00.002-04:00

By David Edenden

Barbara Frye

Barbara Frye is the Editor of "Transitions On Line" and has a blog called East of Center. It is part of a network of semi-official organizations in support of US policy.

She (and Transitions on Line) has never written ANYTHING on the plight of the ethnic Macedonians of Greece so do not expect any story on FREEDOM OF THE PRESS about the detention of Macedonians journalists in Greece (below).

Our friend Barb decided to piss on the Macedonian people by way of tutoring them on the value of free speech "Nikola Gruevski is an idiotic piece of pond scum. Spread the word". Now if she had said that "Prince William and his whore of a bride Kate were idiotic pieces of pond scum ... pass the word" ... I would have been impressed. She didn't ... so I'm not.

Her organisation has determined that the Albanians get the elevator while the Macedonians get the shaft. It is much easier to accomplish her task if Macedonians are labelled "idiotic pieces of pond scum" ... a people without a language, culture or identity ... kinda like niggers ...don't you know.

UMD Condemns Greek Police Detainment of Macedonian Journalists:

Wednesday, 17 August 2011
August 17, 2011 – Washington, D.C. – The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is appalled at recent events in Lerin/Florina, where Greek national security officers and police detained two Macedonian journalists on suspicion of "photography in a public place." UMD is deeply concerned that intimidation continues to be the main tool used by the Greek state to deny basic human rights of the Macedonian minority in Aegean Macedonia, what is today Northern Greece.
On Monday, Macedonian journalists Milena Gjorgievska of Vest newspaper and Goran Momiroski of Kanal 5 TV traveled to Lerin/Florina with Macedonian citizens born in Greece who sought to obtain their Greek birth certificates. The applications were all denied. When preparing to return to Macedonia, the two journalists were apprehended by Greek police and state security forces. The journalists were escorted to the local police station, where they were informed that unauthorized filming is punishable with up to 10 years in prison under Greek law. Their passports and cameras were taken. After two hours of interrogation, the journalists were released due to lack of evidence.
"When journalists are threatened with 10 year prison sentences, it is no small matter," said Momiroski for Kanal 5.
During the Greek Civil War, hundreds of thousands of Macedonians, including 44,000 children between the ages of two (2) and fourteen (14), were forced to flee Greece. In 1982, and subsequently, in 1985, the Greek Parliament under then Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou – the father of the current Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, passed laws exclusively reserved for Greek citizens of Greek genos who fled during the Greek Civil War to be repatriated for their private properties. Macedonians fleeing during the Greek Civil War were excluded, and till this day have not been able to reclaim their Greek citizenships or their private properties. Today, many of these Macedonians are citizens of Australia, Canada, Macedonia, the U.S., among other places.
In order for Macedonians born in Greece to begin legal proceedings to reclaim their private properties they need a Greek birth certificate. Applications after application have been denied by the Greek authorities.
"The Greek government is willfully impeding this legal process, while bullying and censoring any journalists who want to shed light on the issue. In its 1994 report about Greece, Human Rights Watch brought forth Greece’s civil rights violations against Macedonians; however, 17 years later Greece has not changed,” said UMD Chairman Stojan Nikolov.
UMD urges Greece to overcome its domestic political struggles of whether or not there is a Macedonian minority, recognize the minority as such, and afford them the same rights they afford Greeks by genos. Greece has a long-standing history of xenophobia. Greece’s civil rights violations against Macedonia have been well-documented by the United Nations, Council of Europe, U.S. Department of State, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.
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Sources:
Deutsche Welle post:
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15319849,00.html?maca=maz-rss-maz-pol_makedonija_timemk-4727-xml-mrss
Kanal 5 TV post:
http://www.kanal5.com.mk/default.aspx?mId=37&egId=13&eventId=78973
Vest post:
http://www.vest.com.mk/?ItemID=3617CFAE6559004A842A08526F0720C9

The little Dictionary had no chance

2011-08-19T13:14:00.001-04:00

The little Dictionary had no chance

By Risto Stefov

rstefov@hotmail.com

April 17, 2011

Ever wonder why the Greeks behave the way they do? Ever tried or wanted to try to explain this “Greek behaviour”? I have, unfortunately for various reasons, not taken the time to do so. But after reading the following chapter in J.S.G. Gandeto’s book “The Theft of a King Who Stole Alexander” I didn’t have to, my friend Joe has done a wonderful job of eloquently “pegging the Greeks just right” in a way that I could only dream of doing!

Here is what Joe had to say;

Greek Alter TV’s program Atheatos Kosmos reviews the Greek-Macedonian Dictionary

By J.S.G. Gandeto

Among European nations, perhaps even in the world, Greece holds a unique position for being absurdly obsessed with national homogeneity and racial purity. As a matter of fact, this exorbitant indulgence with preserving the "achievements" from the Megali Idea, drives the Greek leadership bonkers. They suspect that their "creation", since it was achieved through very dubious historical means, would not be able to withstand the test of time. The whole nation is gripped with fear; they see potential enemies and spies under every nook and cranny. While this fear, this obsession with the "Greek race", is used as a motivational impetus to keep the masses occupied and united in preserving the artificial Hellenic fabric on one hand, it alienates the very segment of the society which they so feverishly try to prevent from escaping the Hellenic net on the other.

Insecure in their own beliefs that others will not be persuaded to see the aim of their foreign policy as they see it, and fearful of the potentially dangerous outcomes thereof, they continually shift strategies, erect cultural barriers, create new conflicts and are endlessly engaged in debates about someone or something. There is always somebody out there who is trying to usurp, to copy or to steal their precious little heritage.

For example, Greeks will debate anything and everything. One must belong to a kemp; you are either for it or against it, but one rarely finds people who would stand and maintain a middle ground. The main objective is to belong somewhere and to have a competing opinion about it. The next objective is to be vocal about your stand and to defend it vigorously. You must be able to argue your point-that is a prerequisite-and even if all else fails, you must find a reason to continue to argue. At the end, no outside opinions matter, because Greeks think and behave like they are the only one authoritative people who have the answer. This obsession with themselves has to be classed as a peculiarly, Greek thing.

But what surpasses all topics, what strongly encompasses and overshadows all other discussions, what overwhelmingly dominates all the political arguments in the media, is the debate about defending the cause of Hellenism and saving Greece from her aggressive neighbors. Here, these topics, these arguments and these issues are seen as being of paramount significance to Greece's survival and serve as an arena where political ideology is being sharpened, the enemies of Greece are being exposed and Greekness is stoically defended and pompously demonstrated. On matters of Hellenism though, its glory and its preservation, there is no choice. If you even dare to stay neutral, you are automatically branded anti-Hellene or even worse; you are labeled as a traitor and a foreign spy and you ought to be dealt with accordingly.

If problems with Greece's neighbors do not exist, then one must be created. If it does not come from the East with Turkey or Bulgaria, then it must come from the Albanians to the north-West. And, if that frontier is quiet and dormant, then, a problem with the new state of "Skopia" (The Republic of Macedonia) must be created, to stirred up and invigorate the "complacent" masses. How else can one justify the Greek mutinous disapproval with a published Greek -Macedonian dictionary? It took seven Greek panelists on this TV program Atheatos Kosmos that aired on 01/07/09, to tackle this well armed and highly dangerous... well... this dictionary.

In all fairness though, I must mention the moderator who, in this case, besides being a cheerleader, occasionally had the presence of mind to ask the Greek panelists to "slow down" , (wipe the foam from their mouths) and coherently explain their thoughts "so people can understand" them. Watching these highly charged Greek "hoplites", I couldn't suppress the sadness that overwhelmed me regarding this lonely, defenseless dictionary, left at the mercy of these highly sophisticated Greeks. I knew right then and there, that it stood no chance; thus the epitaph that I shall write for the fallen dictionary bears some similarities with that of Demosthenes for the fallen comrades at Chaeronea:

"Time, whose o'erseeng records all human actions, bear word to mankind what fate it suffered, how striving to safeguard the holy human rights of the ethnic Macedonians in Greece, upon Athenian TV program it died."

Rest in Peace my beloved little dictionary. Your premature death in the hands of these Greek heroes will bear a witness to the democratic values practiced and promoted in Greece. Farewell my little book. Farewell, indeed.

The well planned attack had two major objectives in mind:

(a) Discredit the author and

(b) Discredit the book.

(a) Attacking the author of any publication that does not agree with Stoho's feudal views, with Chrisy Avgy's neo-fascists ideology and with LAOS's party dark-ages interpretation of the truth, is a well known and documented practice in Greece. This was to be expected; the track record of these Greeks is explicitly clear and proven. They have attacked much more formidable foes than the author of this little dictionary, Mr. Vasco Karadza. Here, among many others, we can mention Eugene Borza, Ernst Badian, Anastasia Karakasidou, and any other author-ancient or modern-who dared to disagree with these Greeks. It is like throwing a bone at a pack of hungry hyenas.

While I can understand, and to a certain degree agree with people who maintain opposite views on various controversial subjects depicted and presented in a given book, I am quite puzzled and totally lost for words as to why anybody would object to a dictionary. Dictionary's main purpose-there is no hidden agenda here-is to be used for practical means-facilitation of communication and improved understanding.

But our ethnologists, our linguists in Greece saw something more sinister than that; they saw this dictionary as a dark horse used by the "Skopjans" (Republic of Macedonia) to elevate the "idiom" spoken in Northern Greece by the ethnic Macedonians-who, by the way, "do not exist"-to the level of a language. In the words of this panelist Ilias Hrisantopoulos:

"They want to impose it (the language spoken in the Republic of Macedonia) on the population that speaks the idiom".

I have a slight disagreement with Mr. Hrisantopoulos' assertion:

(1) The verb 'impose' denotes usage of an outside force; to make people agree or comply with something by having superior strength or authority. The Republic of Macedonia possesses neither means to accomplish such an act, nor power to do it. This practice of imposing ones culture and language on other peoples is a well-patented Greek trademark. Aside from being the most proficient thieves and fabricators of history in the Balkans, Greeks are the best when it comes to suppressing and suffocating other people's culture and language and imposing their own. In the name of Hellenism, Mr. Hrisantopoulos, the Greeks have destroyed and exterminated Macedonian culture and language, Albanian culture and language and definitely, you have done away with the Vlach's language and culture. The fact that you refer to the language that the ethnic Macedonians speak in Greece as an idiom, is an indication that reality and human rights in Greece cannot coexist and do not register on your radar. By minimizing the significance of a language as an idiom, you inadvertently expose your more ominous designs for it-total elimination from Greece. Eliminating or hiding an idiom is much easier to do than it is with a language.

The other panelist, the so-called ethnologist Mr. Evangelidis, in his expose offered an interesting proposal for solving the problem. He said:

"I think that all our actions through historical arguments, linguistic arguments etc., will have no effect; the issue is purely political. We could assist by opening some issues but there is no dialogue with this people."

He did not elaborate his plan of action because he had "no time to explain the stupidities from the whole state of Skopje; the entire administrative and state mechanism; professors, academicians, institutes etc., etc…"

His voice, his composure and his countenance did not hide the hate and the malice that this person possessed. He looked like a person with a sword drawn out and ready for a battle. He reiterated the other panelists' conclusion that there is no such language. That, where these locals live "there is an idiom that is a mixture of Greek, Turkish, Slavic and etc., words" and that "the idiom was made for practical purpose."

However, he cautioned that "they (referring to the ethnic Macedonians) took it and made it an official language and they teach with it." He stressed that he sees danger of a dialect because "in the words of a great linguist Max Weinreich, a language is a dialect with an army and a navy."

Yes, Mr. Evangelidis, you are correct because (a) no dialect can ever exist without a language. If there is smoke, there is fire too. (And it was not Max Weinreicht who coined the term but Joshua Fishman), and (b) that the "idiom" you have described as a mixture of Greek, Turkish, Slavic etc., had evolved in the very same way that your Greek state has. We keep telling you that your state was artificially created from an admixture of Slavs, Turkish, Greeks, Albanians and Vlachs individuals. Disappointed?

The fact that you Greeks claim that this language does not exist is entirely a different ball game. You see Mr. Evangelidis, according to your administrative decrees the language does not exist because it was forbidden by your government. In reality though, it is still there in spite of all your vehement denials and repressions.

By burying your head in the sand, the language will not disappear. You may choose not to see it, you may persecute people who use it and you may pretend that it was fully wiped out but the truth still remains; you did not succeed in eliminating it. The fact that you pretend that this language does not exist and you attempt to reduce its stature by calling it an idiom, is an admission of your insecurities and perceived danger from it. Every dialect, every idiom if you will, has an "elder mother" called a language somewhere. Your statement: "I have stressed so the viewers can understand the language made in Skopje has no relation with the idiom in our area", is a revelation of your masked intentions: by denying the obvious, that the language spoken in the Republic of Macedonia is the same with the language spoken by the ethnic Macedonians living under Greek occupation, you hope to disengage and disconnect the Macedonian identity across the border. Your loathsome attitude over the name issue reveals your vile and dark intentions. Watching the TV segment about a published dictionary and the Greeks' reaction to it, reaffirmed my previously held convictions about Greeks, their sinister intentions towards the ethnic Macedonians and their racist government's policy toward the Republic of Macedonia.

Repugnant and toxic is the revelation that emanates from Greece's hidden agenda to completely wipe out any trace of the ethnic Macedonian identity and language. Repugnant and loathsome is the thought that Greece in the 21 century attempts to denigrate, culturally assimilate and ethnically erase a minority population whose lands they have confiscated and whose rights as people they have abrogated. Repugnant and revolting is Greece's shameful denial that there are no people who identify themselves as ethnic Macedonians in Greece and repugnant, hideous and downright evil is Greece's behavior towards the Republic of Macedonia. There has to be an end to this menacing Greek locust. There has to be an end to this, more than a century old, Greek plague; there has to be a way to get this monkey off of our backs once and for ever. There has to be a way...There has to be a way to abolish the Greek apartheid.

I couldn’t agree with you more Joe and thank you for allowing me to use segments of your book in my articles.

J.S.G. Gandeto’s book “The Theft of a King Who Stole Alexander” is available through;

http://www.outskirtspress.com/thetheftofaking

This is a book that every Macedonian needs to own and must read. Since I purchased it I could not put it down.

J.S.G. Gandeto was born in Lubojno, Macedonia. Educated at Ss Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. He immigrated to United States and continued his studies at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan and Nova South-Eastern University in Fourth Lauderdale, Florida where he received his post graduate degrees. He recently completed his 29th year as an educator and has since retired and is continuing to pursue his passion in writing. In 2002 he published his first book Ancient Macedonians - Differences between Ancient Macedonians and the Ancient Greeks. In 2005 he published the romantic novels One Golden Ray upon the Rock and in 2007, The Wolves of Trappers Bluff.

In the Macedonian Language he has published the following novels: Spasa's Light in 2004, Saraf in 2009 and Rosamarina's Grave in 2010. Book of poems Muabeti in 2003, poemata Ko Jagne in 2005 and Majka -Egejka in 2009. Currently, he is preparing for publication his latest novel Folded Impressions.

Articles by Risto Stefov:

http://www.maknews.com/html/articles.html#stefov

http://www.americanchronicle.com/authors/view/3446

Free electronic books by Risto Stefov available at:

http://makedonskakafana.com/macedonian_ebooks.html

Our Name is Macedonia

www.mhrmi.org/our_name_is_macedonia

You can contact Risto at rstefov@hotmail.com

Macedonia, Macedonian, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania, Stefov

Customers enjoy Berkley eatery's ethnic fare | Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies | hometownlife.com

2011-08-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

By David Edenden

Macedonians mean business!

Customers enjoy Berkley eatery's ethnic fare | Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies | hometownlife.com:

"The Ilievskis don't seem to mind the hours and speak fondly of their regular customers who enjoy such dishes as Hungarian goulash, beef tips over dumplings, stuffed cabbage, pickerel and chicken paprikash. A Macedonian mixed grill includes pork with rice, tomatoes and roasted vegetables. Breakfast is served all day."

Gregg Easterbrook Solves the "Macedonian Name" Issue

2011-08-19T12:46:00.002-04:00

David Edenden

The Republic of Macedonia is located under the "T's" in the UN seating plan.

My suggestion had been to change it to "A Republic of Macedonia", so we would be the first! Greg Easterbrook has a few more funny suggestions from a few years back.

Greg ... if you wan a good laugh ... check this out.

Skopje is Beautiful in the Spring:December 30, 2008

Gregg Easterbrook

Greece has vetoed the entrance into NATO of the nation that calls itself the Republic of Macedonia, that the United Nations calls the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and that Greece refuses to recognize diplomatically. Greece insists that, in the U.N. General Assembly, the delegate from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia not be seated under the letter "M." I am not kidding -- Greece filed an objection to letter "M" seating. The nation in question then refused to be seated under the letter "F," insisting Former is not a formal part of its name. Provisionally, the nation is seated at the United Nations next to Thailand under the letter "T," using the "The" for seating purposes -- as if the country's name were The [Disputed Word] Yugoslav Republic of [Disputed Word]. (Note: The United Nations has a marketing slogan, see it by rolling over a language choice. ) The issue is expected to heat up soon, as the "The" nation applies for entry into the European Union. A Christmas Day news report, datelined Gostivar: "Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski believes accepting a geographical term for the name of Macedonia is a partial compromise in the name dispute with Greece."
[+] Enlarge AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski
Macedonians swim in the scenic Vardar in The (Disputed Word) Yugoslav Republic of (Disputed Word).

This absurd dispute is a small piece of a quarrel that arose because Greece asserts that the term Macedonia is historically Hellenic, though the Macedonians themselves are Slavs and nearly all of them live in the "The" country, whose capital is, of course, Skopje. Greece contends that it will continue to veto everything having to do with the new nation, which formed in 1991 during the collapse of Yugoslavia, until such a time when it might pick a name that does not contain the word Macedonia. But Greece, titles cannot be copyrighted! Anyone may publish a book called "Gone With the Wind." Any country can call itself France, though it's not clear what the incentive would be. In the spirit of international compromise, TMQ offers these alternate names for the new nation:

• The Republic Formerly Known As Prince.
• Steve. Wouldn't Steve be a cool name for a nation?
• An Obscure, Landlocked Mountainous Region Along the Vardar River.
• Emmanuelle. Really sexy woman's name might increase tourism.
• ROM. Subliminally suggests Republic of Macedonia, but the official name would be just initials -- like KFC -- thus frustrating Greece's objection.
• Skopje and So Much More!
• The Greatest Nation in Human History. This would force the United Nations to say, "Now we will hear from the delegate representing The Greatest Nation in Human History."
• The United States of America.
Leading national brand in the world, yet cannot be copyrighted.

Notwithstanding Virginia's Confederate Resolution, Obama! There is no Shame in Being a Slave!

2011-04-29T10:16:00.004-04:00

By David Edenden

Obama! There is no shame in being a slave.

There is shame in owning a slave.

There is shame is supporting slavery

There is shame in ignoring slavery.

Obama! There is no shame for the ethnic Macedonian minority in Greece being repressed.

There is shame, for Greeks, in repressing its ethnic Macedonian minority.

There is shame, for EU politicians, in supporting Greece in the repression of its ethnic Macedonian minority

There is shame for US politicians in ignoring Greece's repression of its ethnic Macedonian minority.

Obama, you should be ashamed of yourself.

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