I am willing to let that go if Greece can answer why the name "Macedonia" became "exclusively" Greek only after it discovered that the Republic of Macedonia was about to declare its independence from the Yugoslav Federation in 1991? Why didnīt Greece voice concerns in 1945 when the Republic of Macedonia became a Republic in the Yugoslav Federation by using exactly that very same name. Why the concern now?
Was it by any chance that when the Republic of Macedonia declared its independence from the Yugoslav Federation, Greece was caught by surprise and didnīt know what else to do so it "invented" the name issue?
Greece, for almost a century, has been struggling to smother the Macedonian identity living on its own soil since Greece illegally invaded, occupied and annexed Macedonian lands. Then all of a sudden an entire nation of Macedonians gained their independence just next door. Panic stricken, not knowing what to do, Greece invented a problem in hopes of putting the Macedonians on the defensive.
What if these Macedonians started to complain about how their compatriots in Greece were treated over the years? What if those who were wronged, exiled, had their citizenship taken away, had their lands and properties confiscated, families and relatives jailed, abused and murdered, what if they start complaining? We canīt have the world know about that! So, what to do? Why not then "invent" a problem for the Macedonians to focus on; like they canīt have the name "Macedonia" because that name is exclusively Greek?
If Greece suddenly assumed "the victim role" and without being provoked declared, as it is used to falsely declaring, that "Big bad Macedonia" wants to usurp their so-called "Greek name" because this nation of bad people has "territorial aspirations" towards its own non-existent northern province also called "Macedonia", then perhaps it could get some attention. Perhaps if it screamed "rape and murder" long and loud enough then someone might hear and come to its rescue.
Was it by any chance that when the Republic of Macedonia declared its independence from the Yugoslav Federation, Greece was caught by surprise and didnīt know what else to do so it "invented" the name issue?
Greece, for almost a century, has been struggling to smother the Macedonian identity living on its own soil since Greece illegally invaded, occupied and annexed Macedonian lands. Then all of a sudden an entire nation of Macedonians gained their independence just next door. Panic stricken, not knowing what to do, Greece invented a problem in hopes of putting the Macedonians on the defensive.
What if these Macedonians started to complain about how their compatriots in Greece were treated over the years? What if those who were wronged, exiled, had their citizenship taken away, had their lands and properties confiscated, families and relatives jailed, abused and murdered, what if they start complaining? We canīt have the world know about that! So, what to do? Why not then "invent" a problem for the Macedonians to focus on; like they canīt have the name "Macedonia" because that name is exclusively Greek?
If Greece suddenly assumed "the victim role" and without being provoked declared, as it is used to falsely declaring, that "Big bad Macedonia" wants to usurp their so-called "Greek name" because this nation of bad people has "territorial aspirations" towards its own non-existent northern province also called "Macedonia", then perhaps it could get some attention. Perhaps if it screamed "rape and murder" long and loud enough then someone might hear and come to its rescue.
Since their occupation, greece have always tried to legitimise their claim on Macedonia. They have tried to eradicate an independent Macedonian conciousness, and replace it with a greek one. The movement for a greek-Macedonia however, became an overtly populist-government sponsored one after Macedonia's independence.
As mentioned, their claims of an irredentist state on their northern borders is a diversionary tactic, but it betrays the truth. If anything, they have less to fear now, and this is partly why they have become emboldened. When Yugoslavia existed, they had to distance themselves from publicising a 'Macedonian' province, because of the persistant threat posed by a powerful neighbour, and the link shared between a people across its borders. So greece operated by stealth, continuing to assimilate and destroy its minorities. After the break-up, it felt it could do as it pleases.
Note: How many times have you seen the question of how a small country as 'RoM' could be a threat to Greece? Add the above info to demonstrate that it's an unsubstantiated political argument/tactic that not even the greeks believe.
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