Foreign press on the Macedonian issue

[zefs]

In the name of a common future
By Dora Bakoyannis
April 29, 2008
In the aftermath of the NATO Bucharest Summit, a meeting of highest importance for regional and international security, as well as unprecedented in terms of attendance, a significant issue remains unresolved: that is, the invitation to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to join the trans-Atlantic family.



All members of NATO, including Greece, look forward to the day that an invitation is extended to FYROM, as we believe this will further strengthen regional security. Such an outcome is particularly important to Greece, considering the geographic proximity, the traditional ties and the links between our peoples.



During this summit, however, the Alliance made it abundantly clear that accession is contingent upon respect for NATO shared values and principles; that alliances and partnerships can be forged among countries only when there is good will, mutual trust and good neighborly relations. So FYROM's aspiration to join NATO came to an inevitable halt, as it failed to take steps toward normalizing relations with Greece — a neighbor, major foreign investor and future ally.



Greece has been a NATO member since 1952, ranking high in defense expenditure, reaching almost 2.67 percent of the nation's gross domestic product, participating with numerous personnel, means and capabilities in all major NATO missions and operations, and providing critical facilities. At the same time, it is committed to regional dialogue and stability, using soft and smart power to bring countries closer together. Greece is not only a major investor in its region, but it has also actively supported development in Southeastern Europe through developmental assistance, building of infrastructure and other projects financed by a special fund.



For many, a name expresses little more than a right to self-determination. This, I am afraid, is an oversimplification, as this is a complex issue, interwoven with a rich historical background — as is always the case in our part of the world — and with the sensitivities of the peoples living in the area.



The term "Macedonia" defines a wider geographic region, only a part of which is in FYROM. One might wonder whether FYROM has territorial claims to the entire region. Its leaders claim they have no such plans, and we want to believe them.



Yet, we wonder why official FYROM maps and other state documents depict the region of Macedonia in Greece — which they call "Aegean Macedonia" — as "occupied" territory belonging to FYROM that will one day be "liberated."



And why are such maps and documents widely used? Why are these geographic and historical inaccuracies found in their school textbooks, propagating a distorted reality? At the very least, such actions — which emanate from the state — "poison" the political climate of our bilateral ties and, even worse, the ties between our peoples.

Let us remember that the name resonates not only for the people of FYROM, but for the Greek people as well.

Greece has taken bold steps toward a solution. In an unprecedented turn, we have come to negotiations prepared to accept a composite name, with a geographical qualifier for the term "Macedonia." All we ask of the other side is that they meet us half way.



We are not alone in our expectations of FYROM. In the U.S. Congress, 116 members, both Republicans and Democrats, recently co-sponsored House Resolution 356, which expresses the "sense of the House of Representatives that FYROM should stop hostile activities and propaganda against Greece, and should work with the United Nations and Greece to find a mutually acceptable official name." Sens. Robert Menendez, Olympia Snowe, Barack Obama, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow have introduced a similar resolution in the Senate.



On the fresh momentum of the NATO Summit aftermath, with our expressed readiness to resume negotiations immediately under United Nations auspices, I would like to send a clear and unequivocal message to FYROM: Our will to find a mutually acceptable solution is firm.



Greece invites FYROM anew to display the resolve and political spirit that will secure its accession to NATO and, if all requirements are met, to the European Union tomorrow. FYROM's future lies in its own hands.



The name issue is not a game of skill. It is one of common sense, where fair is fair for all, and rules apply to all. This was made unanimously clear to both NATO members and aspirants in Bucharest.

washingtontimes.com

[Truth Bearer]

Macedonia, Greece to resume talks on name issue


www.chinaview.cn 2008-04-29 20:40:11 Print

TIRANA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia and Greece are to resume the talks on their name dispute in New York on Tuesday, according to news reports from the Macedonian capital Skopje.

Matthew Nimetz, UN mediator in charge of the dispute, will hold separate talks with Macedonian envoy Nikola Dimitrov on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Greek negotiator Adamantios Vassilakis on Thursday and Friday.

Nimetz said it is unlikely to put forward a new proposal on the name. He will listen to the stance of both countries, and is expected to come up with a new framework later which will serve as a roadmap for future negotiations.

The name issue has dogged the two neighbors for the past 17 years. Athens has been opposed to its neighbor being called the "Republic of Macedonia," arguing it implies a territorial claim over a northern Greek province also called Macedonia.

Macedonia's NATO membership was blocked by Greece over the name dispute between the two countries earlier this month at a NATO summit in Romania.

Greece has been firm in its stance to find a mutually acceptable solution to the name and urges its northern neighbor to reach a compromise.

"Greece invites FYROM anew to display the resolve and political spirit that will secure its accession to NATO and, if all requirements are met, to the European Union tomorrow," Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis wrote in Tuesday's edition of the Washington Times.

FYROM is the acronym for Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, under which it joined the United Nations in 1993.


Editor: Jiang Yuxia

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_8075488.htm

[Tsontos]

A1: Matthew Nimetz will put forward new proposal for Macedonia’s name by mid-June

1 May 2008 | 09:01 | FOCUS News Agency

Skopje. UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz is getting ready to put forward a new proposal for Macedonia’s name by mid-June, the Macedonian A1 television reported, citing diplomatic sources.
The proposal will be announced several days after Macedonia elects its new government, which will not have much time to consider it.
Before presenting the proposal another round of official consultations with the Macedonian and Greek authorities will be held. Nimetz might visit Skopje in about ten days and then head for Athens.

http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n139574

Dnevnik: VMRO-DPMNE will bring Macedonia to historic victory, Nikola Gruevski promised

2 May 2008 | 14:19 | FOCUS News Agency

Skopje “Renaissance continue, the biggest Parliamentary coalition will bring Macedonia to historic victory”, announced the leader of VMRO-DPMNE Nikola Gruevski at the presentation of the pre-election campaign and the union coalition for the coming parliamentary elections, Macedonian newspaper Dnevnik reports today. Gruevski and the leaders of 18 political parties signed coalitional agreement named ‘Macedonia 2008’ with which they will make join projects. “Now we participate with our own restored and enlarged program from the last elections “Renaissance in one hundred steps”(…). In the next four years we will finish our projects and will start new ones. The only way to change Macedonia is mostly economic and the economy is the core of identity. There must not be fake promises and miracles, promises for everything. This is a vision for the country’s prosperity and just one promise- for lots of work. You have my word that the Renaissance continues,” said Gruevski.

http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n139666

[Tsontos]

Macedonian president appeals for calm

1 May 2008 | 21:41 | Source: Tanjug

SKOPJE -- Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski has called on citizens not to create a negative mood toward neighboring Greece.

"It is absolutely wrong to create an anti-Greek atmosphere in Macedonia. It is in our interest not to react with wrong policies to the wrong policies of Greece."

"Passions must calm down in order to maintain a normal life on the economic plane," Crvenkovski warned his fellow Macedonians ahead of a summit of central European heads of states in Ohrid.

Athens and Skopje have been locked in a bitter dispute over Macedonia's name for almost two decades.

Greece believes that the former Yugoslav republic's constitutional name, the Republic of Macedonia, implies territorial pretentions toward its northern province, which has been known as Macedonia since ancient times.

The negotiations over the name issue continue under UN mediation.

http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region-a...1&nav_id=49896

[Tsontos]

Macedonia, Greece name dispute still on the rocks
12:02 Fri 02 May 2008 - Elena Koinova


Matthew Nimetz, the UN envoy in charge of the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece, is wrapping up May 2 the next round of talks on the issue in New York with little headway made on the issue, Macedonian media reported on May 2.

In the past four days, Nimetz held individual talks with Macedonian negotiator Nikola Dimitrov and his Greek counterpart Adamantios Vassilakis.

As expected, Nimetz did not come up with a new name proposal, rather prepared the ground for future negotiations, Macedonian media reported.

Nimetz refrained from going with a definitive proposal despite the Nato and the United States’ July 9 deadline to solve the issue. He added that such an offer would be made once it was acceptable for both parties.

The UN envoy is scheduled to hold another round of negotiations with the Macedonian and Greek authorities and could potentially visit Athens and Skopje again.

According to the modified negotiating strategy, which Greece approved a fortnight ago, Greece would not only try to economically pressure Macedonia, but would also try to “mine” talks with a request that the new name be used for the nation and language alike, Macedonian daily Vecer said.

Meanwhile, Greece blocked cash transfers to and from Macedonia. The freeze spans Western Union and National Bank of Greece cross-border transactions.

The two neighbours have been embroiled in a row over Macedonia’s name for the past 17 years. Athens insists that Skopje has appropriated the name of its northernmost province.

http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/mac...29105/catid_68

[Tsontos]

An article from Newropeans Magazine, written by a Slav-macedonian/ Skopjian correspondent:

Macedonia - One Way Ticket to Nationalist Ride?

Written by Risto Karajkov
Thursday, 01 May 2008

Macedonia will hold early elections on 1 June. This is, at least for the time being, the first visible impact of the humiliation the country suffered at the NATO summit beginning of April in Bucharest, after it failed to get an invitation to join the Alliance.

After a long and heated debate parliament dissolved itself sometime after midnight last Friday. The parliamentary approval only came after a decision by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to accept the suggestion by opposition Democratic Party of the Albanians (DUI) of Ali Ahmeti, for early elections.

DUI did not matter. It was likely the political pressure coming from his own coalition partner, the New Social Democrats (NSDP) of Tito Petkovski, that tipped Mr. Gruevski over the edge. NSDP has been a reluctant partner in Mr. Gruevski’s VMRO led government for quite some time.

In an emotional live appearance on the news of pro-government channel TV Sitel, Mr. Gruevski lamented last week that unconstructive demands by NSDP, such as regarding employment for their party affiliates, have blocked the work of parliament and hindered reforms.

“They conditioned their vote on new legislation bill with the hiring of somebody, and what more informed us by text message”, said Mr. Gruevski. “It is enough. We will have elections and get a stable parliament that can produce reforms”, said he.

If there should be no doubt that this was the direct trigger that made the Prime Minister make the call, it is clear that it was made under conditions of severe political stress. Had Mr. Gruevski returned victoriously from Bucharest, with a NATO invitation in his pocket, he surely would have not rushed into deciding about elections the week after.

The move is not politically irrational, but unfortunately it has very bad timing, “at least” as concerns national interests.

Mr. Gruevski enjoys very high approval ratings according to polls. Major Macedonian opposition actor, the social democrats (SDSM) are at the same time at historic lows. The same goes for Mr. Gruevski’s junior partner NSDP.

The Bucharest fiasco likely did not damage Mr. Gruevski’s ratings too much. As he held a more rigid position concerning possible compromise with Greece over changing the name – he wanted to put the issue on a referendum – he would be well positioned to benefit from the feeling of national resignation and anger.

Mr. Gruevski likely reckons, that given his high ratings, he could hammer his political opponents at an instant election, and get a greater majority in parliament, which would give him a steady grip on power for the next four years.

This is a widely expected scenario. Reactions by the opposition confirm their fears of a possible election debacle. SDSM strongly opposed going to early elections as well as have other smaller parties in the Macedonia camp. “You are the only opposition in the world that does not want elections”, commented cynically VMRO MPs in parliament.

Yet if the timing is good for VMRO, it is not good for the country.

Resignation and anger mounted in the aftermath of Bucharest. Macedonia, as never before, is overwhelmed with anger towards Greece. Chain emails calling on boycott of Greek products circulate the Internet. News report intensive cross-border trade has plummeted. Greece said it would boycott Macedonian lamb (second major importer, after Italy) ahead of orthodox Easter holidays. Politics finally found a way to hurt the economic ties that have been multiplying over the preceding years.

The upcoming elections will likely turn into an explosion of national frustration. They will give rise to nationalism and promote the name and anti-Greek sentiment as major electoral issues. If Macedonia was very ready for a compromise before Bucharest – Greece turned down the last proposal “Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) – it will possibly be less ready after a round of nationalist discharge.

This campaign would easily force political blocks into confrontation over the issue of possible compromise with Greece. However, the significance is much broader. Greece has been identifying itself as the gate to European integration. It repeated many times that the only way to integrate into NATO and the EU is through compromise with Athens. Vote for compromise with Greece thus means - EU and NATO. As much as Macedonian citizens want into the EU and NATO, right now, their anger and frustration will propel them to vote against Greece. Automatically, vote against Greece would mean – vote for self-isolation. This is the major threat from these elections.

At the same time, the dissolution of parliament reduced the capacity of the government to make big decisions, as legally, there is no parliament to exert control. This diminishes the hopes for a possible solution on the name in the immediate period after Bucharest.

After the failure at the NATO summit, the United States called for immediate continuation of the talks with Greece and solution on the name issue, within weeks or even days. One welds the iron while it is hot, as the old saying goes. UN envoy Matthew Nimitz is visiting both Skopje and Athens this week to assess the readiness for continuation of the talks.

There was some small hope that given the dynamic and the energy invested ahead of Bucharest, the solution came within reach. However, the direction of events in Macedonia makes such faith fade fast. First, the government is reduced to a warden. Second, negotiations amidst an election campaign are inconceivable.

President Branko Crvenkovski warned strongly against elections. He was pushing for a compromise with Greece, saying NATO was a historic chance not to be missed. There are voices saying he should take charge of things now the same way President Boris Trajkovski took responsibility at the time the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA), which put an end to the 2001 war, was negotiated.

It appears there is no time. The election campaign has already started, as it usually happens, before its official start set for 11 May. Soon enough, if not already, political leaders will have only on thing on their minds.

Some of them at least will have to ride the nationalist train. This time only, unlike in the past, its a cross-border fare.

Risto Karajkov
Skopje & Bologna

http://www.newropeans-magazine.org/c...view/7935/259/

[Astoria]

FYROMacedonia, U.S. to sign declaration on strategic partnership and cooperation






FYROMacedonia and USA will sign Wednesday a Declaration on strategic partnership and cooperation, which contains the elements for upgrading and enhancement of bilateral cooperation, MIA reports from Washington.

The declaration, which contains three elements, will be signed by Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

The first element refers to strengthening of cooperation regarding trade and economy, the second to increase of cooperation within the security sector, whereas the third focuses on finding more concrete ways for approximation and more intensive contacts between FYROMacedonian and U.S. societies.

"We expect this to be a thorough document that could be further upgraded through concrete, additional projects and sub-contracts in these areas. The FYROMacedonian and U.S. administrations will work on projects for enlargement of this cooperation", said Minister Milososki.

Pertaining to whether the agreement will be obligatory for the following U.S. administration, Milososki stated that every bilateral document, especially those of importance in international relations, are inherited by following governments.

According to him, the declaration will represent another confirmation that FYROMacedonia remains on its course for Euro-Atlantic integration, investing in the strategic partnership it already has with Washington.

"The strategic partnership between USA and FYROMacedonia is of mutual interest and is built on mutual trust. I expect this to continue in the future too", underlined FM Milososki.

USA announced the signing of the bilateral agreement after the NATO Summit in Bucharest and the Greek veto on FYROMacedonia's Alliance membership invitation.

May 7, 2008

[Astoria]

Rice calls for end to dispute over FYROMacedonia's name




Washington - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged FYROMacedonia and Greece to resolve differences over the Baltic state's name so a path to NATO membership can be cleared. "The United States strongly supports the accession of FYROMacedonia to NATO, as soon as the name dispute can be reconciled," Rice said. "We hope that that will happen very, very soon, because MFYROacedonia deserves to be a member of NATO."

Rice comments came after she and MFYROacedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki signed an agreement between the two countries to cooperate on security and economic matters and improve cultural ties.

Greece and FYROMacedonia have been at odds over the latter's name for years, but the issue reached a boiling point at the April 2-4 NATO summit in Bucharest, Romania.

Greece blocked FYROMacedonia's bid to join the alliance because of the name dispute. Athens argues FYROMacedonia implies territorial claims to one of its northern state's with the same name.

"FYROMacedonia is a good friend of the United States. Greece is a good friend of the United States," Rice said. "And it is our great hope that, with enough will and enough effort and enough flexibility, that this issue can be resolved."

The United States irked Greece by recognizing FYROMacedonia under its preferred name in 2004 but has backed the UN mediating role aimed at resolving the dispute.

FYROMacedonia has been known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or FYROM, since separating from Yugoslavia in 1991. International organizations and most countries continue to use that name.

[bonaqua]

Declaration of Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Between the United States of America and the FYROMacedonia
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
Washington, DC
May 7, 2008

The United States of America and the FYROMacedonia are determined to expand and deepen the close partnership between the two countries based upon common goals, interests, and values. The two countries wish to enhance their strategic relationship through intensified consultation and cooperation in the areas of security, people-to-people ties, and commerce.

The United States and FYROMacedonia reaffirm their support for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the purposes and principles of the UN charter, and a unitary, multiethnic FYROMacedonia within its existing borders.

FYROMacedonia and the United States note that a democratic, secure and prosperous FYROMacedonia, with friendly and constructive relations with its neighbors and as an active participant in regional and international economic, political and security fora, is vital to peace and stability in Southeast Europe.

In this regard, the United States continues to support Macedonia’s security, stability and economic development.

In the interest of an intensified partnership, the United States intends to immediately provide additional assistance to FYROMacedonia to help build prosperity, strengthen security, and foster deeper ties between our two countries.

FYROMacedonia expresses deep appreciation to the U.S. for its assistance to date in helping the Macedonian people as they work to institutionalize and make permanent a democratic process that realizes our shared values of peace, freedom, the rule of law, and a free market economy. Macedonia also recognizes and reaffirms the support from the U.S. in reforming and strengthening its armed forces.

Building on our existing strong partnership in the fight against global terrorism and promoting international stability, demonstrated by our troops serving together in Iraq and Afghanistan, our civilian and military officials plan to intensify their bilateral high-level contacts and seek increased joint training and exercise opportunities to enhance the inter-operability of our forces, and strengthen our partnership in promoting international security and non-proliferation.

Sharing a desire to expand trade and investment, the United States and FYROMacedonia will seek to enhance their economic ties and undertake additional measures to strengthen the competitiveness of Macedonia’s economy and expand opportunities for United States and FYROMacedonian businesses. The United States supports Macedonia’s ongoing efforts to build a business-friendly environment attractive to United States and other foreign investment. Macedonia expresses its appreciation for the opportunity to utilize GSP to strengthen bilateral trade. Both countries encourage the further expansion of their trade relations.

FYROMacedonia expresses satisfaction with the successful implementation of the USAID technical assistance programs in the areas of democracy, economic growth and education and reaffirms its desire for cooperation in these areas to continue.

The two countries also seek to build closer and more robust bonds between their citizens and will undertake practical measures to promote educational and cultural exchange.

The NATO Summit Declaration in Bucharest made clear that the Republic of Macedonia has met NATO’s democratic, economic, and defense standards through its rigorous participation in the Membership Action Plan. The United States continues to work with our NATO Allies to maintain FYROMacedonia’s robust cooperation with NATO under existing mechanisms, while it awaits a membership invitation.

Both countries look forward to FYROMacedonia joining NATO as soon as possible. Our intensified cooperation at this time will further strengthen Macedonia’s readiness to take on Alliance obligations and responsibilities in the near future.

Signed at Washington May 7, 2008.

For the United States of America For the Republic of Macedonia

http://www.state.gov/p/eur/rls/or/104441.htm

[Truth Bearer]

UN envoy to hold Macedonia 'name' talks with Athens, Skopje
14/04/2008 10:21 ATHENS, April 14 (RIA Novosti) - UN envoy Matthew Nimitz will visit Athens and Skopje this week to try and start talks over a long-running name dispute between the two countries, Greece's state-run NET TV said on Monday.

Greece recently vetoed Macedonia's NATO-membership invitation over the 17-year-long dispute with Athens, which objects to Skopje using the name Republic of Macedonia. Athens says the name implies a territorial claim on Greece's northern province of Macedonia, the birthplace of Alexander the Great.

Macedonian lawmakers voted to dissolve parliament and call early elections Saturday over the quarrel with Greece. New elections in Skopje have been set for June 1.

Initially Greece insisted that Skopje remove the word "Macedonia" from its name, but later said it would agree to a "composite" making it possible to clearly tell the republic and the province apart, such as "New" or "Upper" Macedonia.

Currently, Greece, as well as the UN and other international organizations, refers to its neighbor as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). But over 120 countries, including the U.S., Russia and Canada, officially recognize the country as Macedonia.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20080414/104968808.html