Daniel Cohn-Bendit

By David Edenden

Daniel, may I suggest that you table a motion in the EU Parliament to suspend Greece from the EU until it meets the qualifications for human rights with regard to its ethnic Macedonian minority ... as any new candidate would have to do.


Failing that, can you table a motion for reparations payments to ethnic Macedonians in Greece for the EU's role in aiding and abetting their cultural genocide.


Failing that, make it a crime to deny the ethnicity of ethnic Macedonians in the EU and to expel any professors who promote that genocidal hatred.


Failing that, can you propose a resolution warning the Ossetians and Abkhazians that Greece's values regarding minority rights are also, by definition, EU values and if they are unified with Georgia and then Georgia joins the EU, they can expect to enjoy the same rights as the ethnic Macedonians in Greece.

Pressure to be exerted over Greece to unblock Macedonia's EU integration, says French MEP
Strasbourg, 21 April 2010 (MIA) - Co-chairman of the European Parliament Group of the Greens, Daniel Cohn-Bendit believes now is the time to exercise pressure on Greece regarding concessions in the name dispute, adding however that the solution cannot come from outside.
"Regarding the Macedonia name dispute, I have always had a simple stance: Macedonia is Macedonia and it will remain Macedonia. It is time to end this game", Cohn-Bendit told Deutsche Welle. 

Pertaining to pressure put on Macedonia to change its name, he says, "If Macedonia wants to keep name Macedonia, it is fine with me. If Macedonia wants to change its name, I accept it. A big nationalistic contest has been made over the name, both in Macedonia and Greece. I believe it would be good to do something so that everyone calms down. If not, we will not find a way out" 

According to Cohn-Bendit, the way out is possible by exercising pressure on Greece to raise the blockade of Macedonia's European integration.
"However, there is also the problem of the unanimous EU decision-making process. As long as Greece blocks Macedonia, this is a problem in the Union's functioning. Now there is a possibility to negotiate with Greece regarding the aid provided to resolve the crisis and its concession regarding Macedonia's name. This could represent an opportunity to leave this impasse", stresses the French MEP. 

He says the European Union has demonstrated its weakness in the Macedonia case in the same way as the one of Cyprus. 

"We lost the battle with Cyprus. According to me, the game is played in Macedonia and Greece. They are the ones that need to become more reasonable. If they do not demonstrate reason, then a solution cannot be reached. When nationalistic madness gets in the way, then it is difficult to stop it", added Cohn-Bendit. 

On the possibility for the Group of the Greens, which has always given its support to Macedonia's Euro-integration, to launch an initiative for the name row's settlement, he says it could be done under the condition that both sides are ready to accept a compromise.
"For the time being, the reaction over the identity is the one blocking everything for both sides", assesses MEP Daniel Cohn-Bendit.

Conservative Heritage Foundation for Macedonia in Nato

Push for Macedonia’s Accession to NATO at the Lisbon Summit 
The Heritage Foundation

The Obama Administration Must Push for Macedonia’s Accession to NATO at the Lisbon Summit

Published on October 14, 2010 
by Sally McNamara and Morgan Roach
, NATO leaders will meet in Lisbon for a formal heads-of-state summit. The dominant issue for the United States will be the adoption of NATO’s new Strategic Concept, the first of the new millennium. However, the Obama Administration should also throw its weight behind further expansion of the alliance, especially Macedonia’s accession.

Macedonia has been on the road to membership for over a decade and has successfully completed NATO’s Membership Action Plan. Despite being one of the largest per capita contributors to the NATO mission in Afghanistan and enjoying broad support for its accession across the alliance, Athens continues to unfairly wield its veto power and block Macedonia’s accession over a purely bilateral dispute.[1]

Over the past year, Greece has received enormous financial and political support from the Euro-Atlantic community and the global financial institutions. Consequently, it is time for Greece to reciprocate that friendship and uphold its obligation under Article 10 of the Washington Treaty. The Greco–Macedonian name dispute has dragged on for 18 years, and it may not be resolved in time for the Lisbon Summit.[2]However, Athens should not bring its bilateral disputes into the alliance—a longstanding NATO principle—and instead demonstrate its willingness to be a positive regional player rather than a truculent and obstructionist partner.

Window of Opportunity

At the Bucharest Summit in 2008, Albania and Croatia received invitations to NATO membership and took their seats at the alliance’s table in Strasbourg in 2009. It was nothing short of diplomatic hostility on Athens’s part that Macedonia could not join them. Following the Bucharest debacle, parliamentary elections were called in Macedonia, two years ahead of schedule. The elections were held in a tense atmosphere and were directly related to Greece’s continued obstructionism and Macedonia’s exclusion from the Euro–Atlantic family.

Although Macedonia is a vibrant multi-ethnic democracy, its progress remains nascent, and its patience is not endless. Its democratic development has been directly supported by the U.S. and all other members of the NATO alliance save Greece. It is important that the transatlantic alliance sends the message that there is a place in its institutions for Balkan nations that have earned it.

A Provider—Not Just a Consumer—of Security

Having been a primary consumer of security in the past, Macedonia has quickly made the transition to being a provider of security, both regionally and globally. Although Skopje does not enjoy the benefits of NATO membership, it has advanced NATO’s core mission of providing for the collective defense. Macedonia was a critical staging area for the NATO intervention in Kosovo and provided a safe haven for over 360,000 Kosovars during the conflict.[3] Macedonia continues to provide logistical coordination and support for the Kosovo Force mission.

One of the most impressive acts of good faith by Macedonia has been its robust participation in the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Despite having a population a fifth the size of Greece’s, Skopje has deployed more troops than Athens has to Afghanistan. Maintaining a commitment of 240 troops, Macedonia is one of the largest per capita contributors to the mission, providing security at NATO headquarters in Kabul.[4]

Macedonia also takes part in the crucial Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams program tasked with training the Afghan National Security Forces.[5] Macedonia sent additional trainers following President Obama’s request for support at the Strasbourg Summit in April 2009, as well as additional troops following another U.S. request in December 2009.[6]

Macedonia also supported the U.S. and its coalition partners in Iraq from 2003 onward, carrying out joint and independent combat missions. The 2-11 Field Artillery Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Gleichenhaus, stated of Macedonia’s contribution in Iraq: “My only reservation about the Macedonians is that we don’t have more of them.”[7]

U.S. Support: Is It Enough?

Skopje has enjoyed the support of both the former and current U.S. Administration in its quest for accession. At the Strasbourg summit, President Obama voiced his eagerness to welcome Macedonia into the alliance, and recently 19 Congressmen—from both sides of the House—outlined their support for Macedonia’s accession at the Lisbon Summit.[8]

However, U.S. support will not be enough to secure Macedonia’s accession. The Administration will have to use its diplomatic channels in Europe, in concert with U.S. representatives in Athens, to increase international pressure on Greece to resolve this matter expeditiously. Significant diplomatic pressure will have to be applied on Athens by Europe as well, especially France and Germany, and the U.S. should ask Berlin and Paris to make this issue a priority for the summit.

Time for Macedonia to Join

The U.N.-mediated talks between Greece and Macedonia will continue even if Macedonia accedes to the alliance. In a 1995 interim accord between the two nations, Greece pledged not to abuse its dominant position and block Macedonia’s entry into international institutions. Since its inception, NATO enlargement has proven to be a hallmark of European integration, and Macedonia has more than earned its place in the alliance. The U.S. and key European allies including Britain, France, and Germany should stand by their friends and intensify its efforts to ensure that Skopje’s place at the table is no longer unfairly blocked.

Sally McNamara is Senior Policy Analyst in European Affairs and Morgan L. Roach is a Research Assistant in the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, a division of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies, at The Heritage Foundation.

Show references in this report

---

[1]See Sally McNamara, “It Is Past Time for Macedonia to Join NATO,” Heritage Foundation WebMemoNo. 2784, January 29, 2010, at http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2010/01/It-Is-Past-Time-for-Macedonia-to-Join-NATO.

[2]Defence Professionals, “Macedonian Defence Minister Demands from Gates That Macedonia Gets Well Deserved Place in NATO,” October 6, 2010, at http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18515 (October 6, 2010).

[3]Metojija Koloski, “NATO: The Case for Macedonia,” Foreign Policy Association, March 12, 2009, athttp://www.fpa.org/topics_info2414/topics_info_show.htm?doc_id=853200 (October 14, 2010).

[4]North Atlantic Treaty Organization, “International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Army Strength and Laydown,” August 6, 2010, athttp://www.isaf.nato.int/images/stories/File/Placemats/100804%20Rev%20Placemat.pdf (October 14, 2010).

[5]North Atlantic Treaty Organization, “Fact Sheet: NATO’s Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLTs),” October 2009, at http://www.nato.int/isaf/topics/factsheets/omlt-factsheet.pdf (October 12, 2010).

[6]Trend, “Macedonia Pledges to Send More Troops to Afghanistan,” December 3, 2009, athttp://en.trend.az/regions/world/afghanistan/1592493.html (October 14, 2010).

[7]Steve Gillen, “Macedonia Stands with the Coalition in Iraq,” Embassy of the United States, Baghdad, Iraq, June 2, 2008, at http://iraq.usembassy.gov/iraq_in_focus_06022008.html (October 12, 2010).

[8]Earl Pomeroy, et al., “Letter to President Obama in Support of Macedonia’s NATO Membership,” October 1, 2010, at http://umdiaspora.org/images/MacedoniaNATOCongressLtrtoObama.pdf (October 13, 2010).

June 20th - Nato to Turkey: "Wipe the Kurds Off the Map"!

Kurdish child choir case dropped:
BBC NEWS | Europe |

There is far more freedom in Turkey today to speak or sing in Kurdish than when the PKK took up arms, in the days when even the existence of the Kurds was officially denied here.

Private courses in the Kurdish language are now permitted and there is some Kurdish language broadcasting on Turkish state TV.

But there are still strict limits. Those who insist on a distinct Kurdish identity are widely viewed with suspicion and state prosecutors regularly file criminal charges for spreading PKK propaganda or for supporting separatism.

The main pro-Kurdish political party, the DTP, has 20 seats in the current parliament but is now on trial and facing closure. It is accused of having links to the PKK and being the "focus of activities against the integrity of the state".

Kurdish human rights groups also say many children who were involved in street protests that became riots in the south-east two years ago are still on trial there.

They have been charged with supporting the PKK - or even belonging to it.

June 20th - Abuser (EU) Bashes Abused (Macedonia)

By David Edenden

The contempt that EU politicians have for Macedonians is similar to the contempt that an abusive husband has towards his abused wife. He does not change his ways because she keeps on coming back for more.

Macedonia would get more respect if she invited the good cop ... Putin to her side!

The EU's demand that Macedonia "maintaining good neighbourly relations" while ignoring Greek policy of cultural genocide against its ethnic Macedonian minority takes your breath away. Thank god for the Irish!

I had often said that the EU would never allow a country to join if it had adopted the Greek position on the Macedonian identity.

BUT I WAS WRONG!

Bulgaria also denies minority rights to its ethnic Macedonian minority and got in the EU ... not questions asked ... except of course bye the angels at the European Free Alliance.

Question: Why can EU politicians never contract "Mad Cow Disease"?
Answer: Because they are PIGS! (immature - yes ... but also good fun!)

Macedonia told must solve name row for EU talks
Reuters:

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union told Macedonia on Friday it must resolve a row with EU member Greece over its name to get a date to start membership talks, but did not rule out new steps this year towards entry.

"Maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution on the name issue, remains essential," said a draft final statement from a meeting of EU leaders.

The draft, obtained by Reuters, said further steps "are possible by the end of this year" if all conditions are met.

Macedonia, which split from Yugoslavia in 1991, has the same name as Greece's most northerly province. Athens says Skopje must use a compound name such as "New" or "Upper" Macedonia and already blocked Macedonia's bid at a NATO summit in April to be invited to join the defence alliance.

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, said late on Thursday resolving the name dispute was also key to advancing ties with the EU.

"What I can say for certain is that Macedonia will be given a date to resume negotiations as soon as all conditions are fulfilled," he said after the first day of talks.

"There are some conditions that need to be met which are not completely in the remit of the EU institutions," he said, citing "the issue of the name."

Gunfights and fraud during Macedonia's June 1 elections did not help Skopje's case. In the summit draft, the EU called on Macedonia to ensure that elections due next year would be free and fair, and to crack down on corruption and organised crime.

(Reporting by Mark John and Ingrid Melander; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

EU to Greece "Lets Wipe Macedonians Off The Map!"

A Modern Day Ethnocide:
Balkan-Jews :

12 June 2008

Katerina Stamatova-Petrovska
macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/1772/53/

Can one get rid of a nation without being labeled a fascist оr a Nazi?
According to the latest example put forth by Greece -- and supported
by some EU/NATO members like France -- it can be done!

Last April, three countries were supposed to get a NATO membership
invitation; only two of them did - Albania and Croatia.

The third, Macedonia, got an ultimatum instead: change your name,
i.e., change Macedonia's ethnic identity, and only then receive the
long-coveted invitation. And don't forget to put your signature, to
legitimize the unprecedented act of canceling yourself out from the
face of this Earth and from history.

That is what an aspect of a modern day ethnocide looks like. Refined
yet hypocritical, and rotten to the core. Other aspects include
economic embargos, bullying and harassment, obstruction and blockades
at all levels internationally.

Macedonia did not receive a NATO invitation because it failed to meet
the posed qualifications for membership; it met them all. Macedonia
was denied entry because of Greece'a racism directed against people
called Macedonians, complete with their own Macedonian language,
culture, customs, and rich history. They form a minority on Greek
teritory. It is this fact that Greece tries to hide.

"We duly recognize the work and efforts of Macedonia on its road to
NATO accession" stated NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Schaeffer.
However, he went on, because of the alleged "dispute" over the
country's name, the invitation will await until Macedonia gets a new
name to Greece's liking.

Greece objects to Macedonia's name allegedly because it implies
territorial claims on northern Greek territory. Only in the late
1980's, when it was clear that the Republic of Macedonia would declare
independence from Yugoslavia, Greece renamed its northern territory
"Macedonia." Prior to this, it refered to it as "Northern Greece".

Why? That territory did not belong to Greece before 1913 at all.
Greece, along with Serbia and Bulgaria, annexed Macedonia by force and
partitioned it in 1913 without the consent of the majority Macedonians
living there. Greece then illegally acquired 51% of Macedonia's
territory -- teritorial aggrandizement based on greed and brute force.

Soon thereafter, the Greek government began to forcefully assimilate,
expell, or kill Macedonians. The assimilation campaign included
punishing Macedonians severely for even uttering a word in the
Macedonian language, including the word "Macedonia" itself.

If Greece felt that these were Greek people on Greek land, it would
not have expelled nor repressed them.

After all, these events are recent history, and many Macedonians that
suffered the Greek terror and expulsions are still alive. They are
still struggling for recognition of their rights, including to return
to their property in Greece. There are over 2,000 lawsuits as of now
filled at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg related to
the Macedonian ethnocide.

Yet, the harassment by Greek authorities continues, including on
ethnic Macedonians with U.S. or Australian citizenship. Last February,
a dual U.S. and Macedonian citizen was denied entry to Greece because
he identified himself as Macedonian. In October 2007, another dual
Australian-Macedonian citizen was denied entry because he stated he
was to visit relatives in the town of Lerin. Lerin was renamed into
"Florina" by Greek Authorities, a verbal "offense" for which he was
blacklisted. Indeed, by using the (ancient) Macedonian names for towns
and villages, one is considered by Greece as criminal and he or she is
blacklisted forever.

Indeed, when Greece acquired 51% of Macedonia in 1913, in order to
'hellenize' Macedonia it also began to change the ancient Macedonian
toponyms and hydronimes.

It is a disgrace that in 2008, Greece's policies have an ally in the
European Union; it turns a blind eye to Greece's human rights abuses.
Greece is the only country in the EU that does not recognize ethnic
minorities. EU bureaucrats blatantly dismisses the Macedonians'
history and rights, and follow blindly the Greek propaganda line --
contrary to all international norms. The EU conveniently "forgets"
that people have a most fundamental, God-given right to self-identity
expressed by their name, a principle on which the very international
order is based!

The EU should take a lief of history from the United States, where all
can be who we are (and who they want to be) rather than aid Greece's
preposterous demands on Macedonians to wipe themselves out. It cannot
and will not be done.

Greece's forced assimilation of Macedonians has gone for over a
century and a half. For almost 18 years now, Greece bullies
independent Macedonia. It is time for Greece to stop, or be stopped by
proudly proclaiming Macedonian's identity and history everywhere.

June 9th - McCain, Obama and Clinton on Macedonia

By David Edenden

Macedonians don't often get a chance to see people discussing the Macedonian "name issue". This is from last March.

I had not realized that McCain was so hot on Macedonia's entry into Nato. Obviously, I was not surprised by Obama's position.

I assumed McCain decided that it was not worth pandering to the Greek vote since the US has already recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name ... so the damage has already been done. On the other hand, this maybe an honorable decision based on McCain's appreciation of Macedonia's contribution to the war on terror in Afganistan and Iraq.

I would love to be a fly on the wall when Obama. and Rice discuss Macedonia and Greece. Would both of them be embarrassed or ashamed because ... you know ... Macedonians are the "Niggers of the Balkans".

Upon reflection, I don't think so. Obama and Susan Rice are like lawyers who defend Mafia bosses, without a second thought, because that is their designated role in the criminal justice system.

Racist appeasement of your friends (Greece) to gain votes is part of the political process as much as appeasement of your enemies.

Campaign 2008 Conversations: U.S. Foreign Policy
Council on Foreign Relations:
March 7, 2008

JIM HOAGLAND:

... And Susan, I'll start -- I'll give you the dubious honor of having the first question on this -- (scattered laughter) -- or the first crack at the question on the NATO summit that's coming up in Bucharest in April where one of the principle issues will be NATO expansion. ...

...Would your candidate use the full force of the presidency, if he were president, at that summit, to push for membership now for Croatia, Albania and Macedonia? ...

Susan E Rice (Obama adviser)

... Let me begin by making clear that Senator Obama's perspective is that NATO expansion has served our interests well, and that it is a process that ought to continue as countries come online that are ready and suited for NATO membership.

So with respect to the first three countries that are on deck, obviously, there are issues to be resolved within NATO, particularly with Greece with respect to Macedonia and its name.

And we would want to see that resolved cooperatively in a fashion that takes into account the sensitivities of our Greek allies.And yet the incorporation of those countries is ultimately in our interest and one that would strengthen Europe and, I think, enhance our ability to deal with some of the pressures that we're seeing arise from Russia vis-a-vis its neighbors. So yes, those three, we would like to find a way to move forward

-------

RANDY SCHEUNEMANN: (McCain Adviser)

... On Albania, Croatia and Macedonia, Senator McCain has been strongly outspoken in support for including them. They are ready. In the case of Macedonia, they've been a membership action plan for eight or nine cycles.

With respect to the Greek concerns, the United States recognizes Macedonia under its constitutional name.

And he certainly hopes that there's not going to be this throwback to the 19th century style of Balkan politics, and the Greeks throw a red card on the membership of Macedonia.

-------

MARA RUDMAN: (Clinton Adviser)

...And so where I get a little bit concerned, Randy, is when you sound like you're issuing ultimatums in a variety of fronts without finding ways to be able to talk and discuss and work through our issues as well.

And I get a little bit concerned when I hear you talking that way with respect to Greece and Macedonia as well. I think that requires some skilled diplomacy to work out.

We absolutely need to find ways to bring Macedonia in without question. But finding the way to do that is not just by issuing the ultimatum about what can and cannot be but also working through sometimes some difficult issues that we have.

I think we've had too many ultimatums over the last seven years that haven't necessarily served us well with the rest of the world. And we need to find ways to move forward that both achieve U.S. objectives with respect to a variety of issues but also find ways to bring our friends and allies with us....

June 8th - Russia Good - Nato and EU Bad!

By David Edenden

Repeat after me, Russia good for Macedonia!
Nato, The EU and especially Sarkozy ... BAD For Macedonia!

Russia won't change Macedonia stance
B92 - News - Region
June 2008 | 15:42 | Source: B92, Tanjug

T. PETERSBURG -- Russia remains consistent regarding the use of name for the Republic of Macedonia, this country's president says.

Crvenkovski, Medvedev, meet in St. Petersburg (Beta)

Branko Crvenkovski's comments came Saturday after his meeting in St. Petersburg with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Macedonian media report that Medvedev reiterated Moscow's position over the former Yugoslav republic's name, "despite continuous demands that are coming from Greece".

June 7th - Sarkozy to Macedonian Minority in Greece: Drop Dead!

By David Edenden,

Well ... what more is there left to say.

Maybe if we turn all Macedonian teenage males to be anal whores for Greek sodomites ... maybe that will make Greece and Sarkozy happy... maybe!

Maybe Sarkozy will approve EU funding for lobotomies for all ethnic Macedonians in Greece so they will forever forget their language, history, culture and ethnic identity ... maybe!

Maybe Sarkozy, who is so full of himself, that he contemplates jumping up his own ass, will institute a program for primary school children in France so they will carry a picture of one of the Macedonian Child Refugees from Greece, forbidden to return to their home villages ... unless the renounce their Macedonian ethnicity ... maybe!

Maybe Sarkozy should just FUCK OFF and die! ... maybe!

Maybe Robert Badinter and Elizabeth Badinter could actually say something for fuck's sake ... maybe!

Does anyone in the Republic of Macedonia still see Nato and the EU membership within grasp?

Nato, the EU and Sarkozy are not friends of Macedonians ... anywhere!

Sarkozy pledges that Greece can count on support from France:
ekathimerini.com |

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis:

Thank you for adopting the Greek position on the "Macedonian Question"

French President Sarkozy:

Merci ... thanks for using Vaseline!

Ahead of an official visit to Athens on Friday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged that he will always stand by Greece’s side in its dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

In an exclusive interview that will be published in full in tomorrow’s Kathimerini English Edition, Sarkozy praised the understanding that he has developed with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. The French president said the Greek premier is not just a partner but “a friend.”

He said that the two have formed an understanding based on a shared view of the structural reforms that their countries have to undergo. Sarkozy believes that the two leaders have a common will to “change and modernize our countries.”

But it is the French president’s comments about the Macedonia dispute that will probably be most welcome in Athens. Sarkozy backed Greece’s position at the NATO summit in Bucharest, which saw FYROM’s bid to join blocked.

Sarkozy told Kathimerini that Greece could always expect to have France’s sympathy and support on the issue.

He also wants Greece to play a significant role in the setting up of a Mediterranean Union to deal with issues that particularly affect the area.

Sarkozy, whose maternal grandfather was a Jew from Thessaloniki, will become the first foreign leader to address Parliament this century. The last foreigner to be given this honor was the senior George Bush in 1991.

June 6th - "Death to Macedonians" - No One Cares!

By David Edenden:

If a Macedonian Member of Parliament had said ethnic Albanians in Macedonia demanding more rights should be charged with treason and put to death, then the RFE, NDI, IWPR and ICG, among others, would have a sh**fit.

But advocating the death penalty for ethnic Macedonians in Greece is not a problem, because we don't exist AND we are the "Niggers of the Balkans" ... no one cares! I'm Talking to you Barack Obama!

Nato and the EU are not friends of Macedonia!

Greek LAOS deputy demands death penalty for Macedonians!:
United Macedonian Diaspora -

By Hristo Ivanovski and Zana P. Bozinovska

Translated by Zlatko Nikolovski

According to Athanassios Plevris, the Macedonians committed felony when denominating "Skopje" as "Macedonia" and the language as "Macedonian".

Deputy Athanassios Plevris of the People's Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party has demanded death penalties for the members of the ethnic Macedonian party "Vinozito" [Rainbow] in Greece and for the Greek Helsinki Watch. This deputy of Yeoryios Karatzaferis' ultranationalist party has sent a written request to Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Justice Minister Sotirios Hadjigakis, saying that the "Vinozito" website features "a map of Europe showing Skopje denominated as Macedonia" and that Helsinki Watch, which is financed by the Greek Government, talks about the existence of a Macedonian language. This would be absolutely unacceptable, he describes the language as "Slavic".

Treason

Furthermore, MP Plevris asks Minister Hadjigakis if he intends to sue the two organizations in line with Article 30, Paragraph 1 of the criminal code. Actually, the two organizations were violating Article 138, according to which the highest degree of penalty should be appropriate because it applies to violation of territorial integrity: "Whoever uses force or threatens to use force to secede a territory belonging to the Hellenic Republic or adjoins it to another country shall be sentenced to death," the article states.

The last time a death penalty was executed in Greece was on 25 August 1972, when Vasilis Limbersis was shot because he had killed his wife, mother-in-law, and two children. The Greek state abolished the death penalty, except for treason and serious war crimes. Plevris asks Bakoyannis how it is possible that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs finances such "organizations serving the pro-Skopjean propaganda".

The parliament's officers forwarded the letter to the prosecutor of the highest court. This happened on 23 April, to which "Vinozito" reacted on 23 May: "We would not be addressing this case if the justice minister's answer had been similar to that of Foreign Minister Bakoyannis, stating that 'Greece, as a democratic country, guarantees freedom of speech for all its citizens, which, of course, applies to the members of "Vinozito," as well,'" stated the response of this organization under the title "Now we are awaiting maximum penalty." According to "Vinozito," Plevris' request has been considered as justified by the justice minister, so Article 138 could be applied to the ethnic Macedonians.

Accused of Irredentism

„Are we back in the Civil War? We got tired repeating over and over again that we consider the issue of ethnic minorities as an internal one. On every possible occasion we state that only provocateurs can raise the issue of changing borders. The TV democracy in this country is constantly distorting our positions.

The political system by force characterizes us as irredentists. Shall we face the highest penalty now?", EFA "Vinozito" publicly asks. Greek Helsinki Committee Chairman Dimitras Panagiotis says that the activities of both ministers clearly indicate their will to attack "Vinozito" and the Greek Helsinki Committee.

This confirms the fact that in Greece it is dangerous to say "Macedonian state," "Macedonian language," and "Macedonian minority," despite the multiple decrees and judgments of the Council of Europe and the UN that such a position is unacceptable and violating several international treaties on human rights, Panagiotis has told Dnevnik.

According to him, the fact that no political party, no medium in Greece, and no public organization has protested at this act of both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice is a clear sign that both for the political system and the society the organizations addressing the rights of the Macedonians and the Turks in Greece are locked out. This shows that democracy doesn't work when dealing with the rights of the minorities in Greece, says Panagiotis.

June 5th - Nato and EU Values At Work In Kosovo

Fines for ‘Kosovo is Serbia’ T-Shirt Men
BalkanInsight.com -

04 June 2008 Kamenica _

Kosovo Serbs are in outcry over a local court’s move to fine two men for wearing t-shirts reading “Kosovo is Serbia.” Zivojin Rakocevic, editor of Kosovo Serbs’ magazine Glas Juga, claims the decision is violating their basic human right, the freedom of expression.

“How modern is Kosovo after becoming independent, we clearly see through this meaningless punishment,” Rakocevic told Balkan Insight.

Milos and Milomir Stojanovic from Gjilan/Gnjilane were arrested by Kosovo Police Service on the Kosovo–Serbia border.

The Minor Offences’ Court in Kamenica, eastern Kosovo, fined them € 250 each, for promoting slogans that could stoke inter-ethnic tension. Both of them were released once they paid the fee.

“I am considering wearing a t-shirt that says ‘Kosovo is Serbia: Freedom of Expression – 250 euros,” Rakocevic said, complaining that the fine was way too high, considering the average salary of Kosovo Serbs is some € 150.

Kosovo human rights watchdogs said they are still gathering information regarding the case and were unable to comment.

Balkan Insight also tried to contact the judge of the case but that was not possible.

June 1st - Time For A "Grande Coaliton" in Macedonia

By David Edenden

It is now 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 1, 2008 (New York Time) and the polls are about to close in the Macedonian election.

I call for the main Macedonian parties and the two Albanian parties to consider forming a "Grande Coalition", in the manner that Germany has adopted from time to time.

Advantages:

1. With regard to economic policies, all parties favor privatization and economic integration with the EU.

2. With regard to foreign affairs, all parties favor joining Nato. A united front will force Nato to some how over rule the Greek veto and admit Macedonia.

3. All parties favor the rights of ethnic Macedonians to determine their own ethnic identity. All parties, I assume, favor the struggle for human rights for ethnic Macedonians living in Greece and Bulgaria.

4. Most conflict between political parties seem to be over the division of patronage and a "Grande Coalition will divide patronage appointment more fairly and battle corruption with a more even hand.

5. All peoples of Macedonia will be in a united front facing Greek attempts to destabilize Macedonia which will lead to civil war in Macedonia, as many are now predicting. This is in no one's interest, except Greek racists.

Nato Is Not A Friend of Macedonia

Protest letter sent to Nato over an incident:
MINA Breaking News

Protest letter sent to Nato over an incident

Macedonia sent a letter of protest to Nato's General Secretary Jan De Hoop Scheffer.

Letter was sent by Macedonian Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski after an incident at a NATO's traning in France called "Steadfast Junction" where greek Officer asked Macedonian Officers to remove their badges where the Flag and the country name is stitched up.

The Macedonian Officers refused and informed the Central Command in Macedonia about the incident. After consultations the Macedonian Officers left France, so the incident doesn't escalate.

"This is a first incident of its kind, as we have soldiers on many NATO missions, and no, this hasn't happened before." said Zaharaie Vulgarakis, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense.

Because of this incident, Macedonian Defense Ministry did not send Officers to NATO's scheduled training in Stavanger, Norway.

The Greek provocations have quadrupled after the elections were announced in Macedonia. In part because Prime Minister Gruevski has added 4 points to his Program, where he says that the name would not be changed, or, if there is a very favorable compromise, Gruevski would put the name on a Referendum, where it is certain to be defeated, even if the name is favorable. This way, very intelligently, the Prime Ministers put the 'name issue' in the hands of Macedonians.

The reaction from Athens was swift upon hearing of the 4 points. Athens spokesman Koumutsakis, as well as Bakoyannis issued quick statements that "there shouldn't be a referendum" as if anyone asked them about their opinion. Their statements were ignored, and the provocations started.

Athens is stuck in a loosing battle. Millions of euros were funneled to Macedonian Media, (Utrinski Vesnik, Dnevnik, even "independent" Agency MakFax) who all had large editorial pieces how Macedonia should simply 'give up' to Athens' caprice to change our name. Branko Geroski, Ljubmoric Frckovski.... probably had the worst Anti-Macedonian pieces ever written, on par with Athens daily Kathimerini, Elevtherostipos etc. Later, our sources tell us those articles from Utrinski, Dnevnik... were used by Athens at the UN against us, "look what your papers write", even though Athens paid for and ordered those articles. Similar was the situation with statements from 'our' officials, in particularly Gligorov. Athens paid, and paid handsomely for his statements a decade ago.

I wont get into SDSM and how much money Athens has sent this party. As an illustration, Radmila Sekerinska wears shoes worth 5000 Euros. If you don't care where the money came from, then think of the poor crocodiles and snakes she wears.

Good thing is, people like Gligorov & Co are out and his remaining associates are on their way out as well.

On Sunday, Elections. Go out and vote. I wont tell you who to vote for, hopefully you have a functioning brain to know this little. As for the Macedonian Officers leaving France and not reacting to the Athens officer provocation, Good on you! Though, another option could have been to make him eat the Macedonian badge. All I am saying is keep all options open.

Gorazd V.

God Bless America ... God Damn Greek Racists!

By David Edenden

This is the official US State Department reaction to the Greek walkout at the nonproliferation conference. Its just nice to see someone supporting Macedonians in print!

At the next St. Patricks' Day Parade, kiss an Irish-American!

Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman, U.S. Department of State


Daily Press Briefing -- May 29:


QUESTION: Yes, I have a few questions regarding the high-level meeting on PSI yesterday. My first question is: Can you tell us what happened and resulted to the withdrawal from the meeting of Greece and Cyprus?


MR. CASEY: Well, I’m not really sure. I think I’d have to refer you to the parties on that one. My understanding was that we had a meeting of the Proliferation Security Initiative. This is, of course, the occasion of the fifth anniversary on it. Greece had some objections to the seating of the Macedonian delegation. And I would, frankly, refer you to both those parties for an explanation as to why they – they chose to depart the meeting.


QUESTION: And my follow-up question, in the morning, since you have said what happened, the U.S. decided to go with a name tag for the country, name FYROM. And then a few hours after that, you changed, if I’m not mistaken, to the official name recognized this country, the Republic of Macedonia. But a move like thus -- like this, we had the result of two big maritime powers, if not the biggest, Greece and Cyprus, to withdraw from the meeting and don’t sign the declaration. We have problems right now to an upcoming initiative by Ambassador Nimetz after the elections in Skopje to resolve the name issue that created problems in the last NATO summit. And some people say that this unexpected move yesterday by changing name tags every other hour resulted to sending mixed messages and put those two countries – all the parties, actually – on a difficult position. Any explanation of why this happened, 
and who decided to change the name and then change it again?


MR. CASEY: Well, let me try – why don’t you hold on a second. First of all, you’ll forgive me; I realize how significant and important the name issue is for individuals, but you know, frankly, what piece of paper was in front of which delegate at which time, I don’t know and I don’t actually think that that’s particularly relevant here.


I think what is relevant is two things. First of all, longstanding United States policy as enunciated by Secretary – then Secretary of State Powell is to recognize the Republic of Macedonia by its constitutional name. So I don’t think it’s any surprise to anyone, including our friends in Greece and Cyprus, that that is the name under which the U.S. Government recognizes Macedonia and that that is the way that they are generally referred to in all U.S. Government-led meetings and activities.
Now, that said, again, we very much respect and understand that there is a significant disagreement between Greece and Macedonia over the name issue, and we have been strong advocates both before, during and after the NATO summit in terms of trying to support Mr. Nimetz, Ambassador Nimetz and his efforts to reach a mutually agreeable conclusion to this issue. And that continues to be where we are.
So certainly, I’m not sure, you know, what the mechanics were at this meeting. But basically, U.S. policy on this issue is consistent. And certainly, we think it’s very important and really appreciate the role that Greece and Cyprus as well as other members of the Proliferation Security Initiative have played in trying to help support this really now global effort to help limit and thwart proliferation of nuclear and other dangerous technologies.


So certainly, we understand that the name issue is something that comes up on a regular basis and is something that is a difficult one and a sensitive one for people in Greece as well as for people in the Republic of Macedonia. But I certainly would hope that whatever technical problems or issues that occurred with some of the logistics in this meeting would not undermine the broad overall support that the initiative has in Greece and in Cyprus, as well as not confuse anyone in terms of the U.S. desire to see a mutually agreeable resolution of this conflict get reached.


QUESTION: My final question, that you just spoke about mechanics on the meeting. In your answer, many times you said that the official policy – and I know that – is to recognize this country as the Republic of Macedonia. Who decided to put at the start of the meeting the name FYROM in front of this country – FYROM – and then change it and create all this mess on a very important initiative like PSI?


MR. CASEY: I’m not sure --


QUESTION: With all respect, it’s not mechanics.


MR. CASEY: Well, look, what you’re asking me is which administrative staff person put a nameplate in front of a delegation. And I’m telling you that I don’t know and I’m telling you that, frankly, it doesn't matter in terms of broader U.S. policy, and that I would hope that while I would understand why that would be disturbing and cause an issue and did cause an issue with the Greek delegation and they’ve spoken to it, that, again, that that not be interpreted – that administrative issue not be interpreted as anything that was either trying to signal a change in U.S. policy or represent a change in U.S. policy or be done with a deliberate attempt to either offend or otherwise undermine the views and positions which we’re all well aware of and know are very strongly held by our friends in Greece.


QUESTION: Thank you.