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Hi All,
I found this whilst browsing around online.
Since we are having a look at the UMD, perhaps we should look at Tom's thoughts in 2003 when he was (perhaps) involved in the founding stages of the UMD. He has since parted ways. Does anyone think his 5 year old opinions are still relevant? Has anything changed that might influence these policies and objectives since then?
I would be curious to know if his thoughts have changed. I welcome our forum reader's input.
I found this whilst browsing around online.
Since we are having a look at the UMD, perhaps we should look at Tom's thoughts in 2003 when he was (perhaps) involved in the founding stages of the UMD. He has since parted ways. Does anyone think his 5 year old opinions are still relevant? Has anything changed that might influence these policies and objectives since then?
I would be curious to know if his thoughts have changed. I welcome our forum reader's input.
Strategic Policies and Objectives
Tom Vangelovski
November 6, 2003
Introduction
The ruling elite of Macedonia has procrastinated for over a decade, all the while allowing the national interest and human rights of all Macedonians to erode to unacceptable levels. The time to push the Macedonian agenda for the new century was yesterday. The time to plan for this was the day before. We Macedonians are far behind, but with a lot of hard work perhaps we can catch up.
The following outlines a number of ideas that will hopefully open further discussion and debate among Macedonians about the strategic policies and objectives that the Republic of Macedonia should pursue in the new century.
European Union Membership
1. All efforts must be focused toward eventual membership of the European Union. Macedonia should look toward accomplishing this task within a decade.
2. However, strong and independent political, military and economic relationships must be maintained with key world powers outside of the European Union, namely the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. These links are of vital importance for a strong and independent Macedonia.
3. Atlantic alliances, especially NATO or any other combination involving the United States or the United Kingdom outside of the European Union, should be strictly avoided. Macedonian interests remain in a strong, independent and united Europe, rather than divisive American power ambitions.
Defence
4. Within the structures of the European Union and any future integrated European defence system, Macedonia should build and maintain an effective and professional military and police force. The military and police should also maintain a capacity to act independently of all international structures.
5. Macedonia should also develop a highly capable and effective intelligence service that maintains its independence from any international structures, working solely for the security of the Republic.
Public Relations
6. Public relations is of vital importance for all policy objectives. The Government of Macedonia should use the services of PR firms from across the world in order to promote the interests of the state, its people and its economy.
7. Also of importance is the use of Macedonian and pro-Macedonian lobby groups, institutes, media, NGO's, politicians and other means to promote national interests.
Demographics
8. Ethnic harmonisation needs to be achieved within Macedonia and an ethnic Macedonian population of a suitable level needs to be maintained. Initiatives should also be considered for Macedonian population levels in the "occupied territories" (i.e. Aegean, Pirin and Mala Prespa).
9. A new section within the Interior Ministry should be established to coordinate efforts in relation to demographic issues.
Diaspora
10. The Macedonian Diaspora should be utilized as fully and effectively as possible in order to achieve policy aims and strategic goals. Their efforts should be well recognised and rewarded where appropriate.
11. The Macedonian people residing within the occupied territories should be given automatic Macedonian citizenship and their human rights protected by the Macedonian Government. Macedonian citizenship should also be readily available to all ethnic Macedonians regardless of place of birth or residency.
Tom Vangelovski
November 6, 2003
Introduction
The ruling elite of Macedonia has procrastinated for over a decade, all the while allowing the national interest and human rights of all Macedonians to erode to unacceptable levels. The time to push the Macedonian agenda for the new century was yesterday. The time to plan for this was the day before. We Macedonians are far behind, but with a lot of hard work perhaps we can catch up.
The following outlines a number of ideas that will hopefully open further discussion and debate among Macedonians about the strategic policies and objectives that the Republic of Macedonia should pursue in the new century.
European Union Membership
1. All efforts must be focused toward eventual membership of the European Union. Macedonia should look toward accomplishing this task within a decade.
2. However, strong and independent political, military and economic relationships must be maintained with key world powers outside of the European Union, namely the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. These links are of vital importance for a strong and independent Macedonia.
3. Atlantic alliances, especially NATO or any other combination involving the United States or the United Kingdom outside of the European Union, should be strictly avoided. Macedonian interests remain in a strong, independent and united Europe, rather than divisive American power ambitions.
Defence
4. Within the structures of the European Union and any future integrated European defence system, Macedonia should build and maintain an effective and professional military and police force. The military and police should also maintain a capacity to act independently of all international structures.
5. Macedonia should also develop a highly capable and effective intelligence service that maintains its independence from any international structures, working solely for the security of the Republic.
Public Relations
6. Public relations is of vital importance for all policy objectives. The Government of Macedonia should use the services of PR firms from across the world in order to promote the interests of the state, its people and its economy.
7. Also of importance is the use of Macedonian and pro-Macedonian lobby groups, institutes, media, NGO's, politicians and other means to promote national interests.
Demographics
8. Ethnic harmonisation needs to be achieved within Macedonia and an ethnic Macedonian population of a suitable level needs to be maintained. Initiatives should also be considered for Macedonian population levels in the "occupied territories" (i.e. Aegean, Pirin and Mala Prespa).
9. A new section within the Interior Ministry should be established to coordinate efforts in relation to demographic issues.
Diaspora
10. The Macedonian Diaspora should be utilized as fully and effectively as possible in order to achieve policy aims and strategic goals. Their efforts should be well recognised and rewarded where appropriate.
11. The Macedonian people residing within the occupied territories should be given automatic Macedonian citizenship and their human rights protected by the Macedonian Government. Macedonian citizenship should also be readily available to all ethnic Macedonians regardless of place of birth or residency.
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