South Australian Premier Mike Rann, an enemy to Macedonians

[MP_MK]

MP, Whats the Greek Community like in SA?

High in numbers, vocal and get there way on most matters mainly due to Rann. We can stop the if we work together.

[UMDiaspora.org]

Rann accused of playing the race card

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/rann-accused-of-playing-the-race-card/story-e6frg6nf-1225828057518

[Rogi]

Rann accused of playing the race card

SOUTH Australian Premier Mike Rann could face charges of inciting racial hatred as Macedonian outrage over a speech he made at a Greek festival threatens to explode into a major diplomatic incident.

The embassy of the Macedonian Republic in Canberra yesterday deplored Mr Rann's comments, which included an allegation that President Gjorge Ivanov was "stirring up trouble"in a dangerous manner and trying to steal Greek history and culture. Mr Rann cited the naming of a Macedonian airport and highway after Alexander the Great as evidence.

A spokesman for the Macedonian embassy said the ambassador was awaiting advice on a formal protest to the Rudd government.

Coalition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop called on Foreign Minister Steven Smith to admonish Mr Rann, who she accused of exploiting sensitive international issues between Greece and neighbouring Macedonia for political gain in next month's state election.

"Mr Rann has abused his position as a state premier and Mr Smith should pull him into line," Ms Bishop said. She also said Mr Smith should make clear to Macedonia that supporting comments by former Labor minister Nick Bolkus were out of line.

Mr Rann's comments were made at a Greek festival in Adelaide last November, but a video and transcript are only now getting wide circulation.

In the speech, Mr Rann vowed his government would "remain firm and unswerving" in supporting the Greeks. "It is important because no one is entitled to steal another nation's history or culture," he said. "We have a leader in Ivanov who is stirring up trouble in the most dangerous way."

The Macedonian community in South Australia is 3000 strong, and totals about 84,000 nationally.

Mr Bolkus said politics was about "expressing points of view on issues and I'm pleased he (Mr Rann) is doing it".

The controversy comes as the Rudd government is seeking Macedonia's support for a seat on the UN Security Council and will tomorrow host a forum on improving joint relations. Jason Kambovski, of the Australian Macedonian Human Rights Committee, said Mr Rann had "vilified the Macedonian community". "In our view, that constitutes inciting racial hatred and vilification," he said. "It's clearly outside the sort of things a premier should be saying. We are seeking legal advice."

Mr Smith declined to comment.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/rann-accused-of-playing-the-race-card/story-e6frg6nf-1225828057518

[Risto the Great]

Mr Bolkus said politics was about "expressing points of view on issues and I'm pleased he (Mr Rann) is doing it".

Bolkus is a former politician now professional lobbyist. He only cares for expressing views when they are supporting Greek views. Disgusting.

[Soldier of Macedon]

Ok, this is written well, with better terminology also. Good.

[Risto the Great]

By the way Bolkus, "politics" is "The art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs."

What part of "governing" was being displayed when the identity of Macedonians around the world was being denied and trivialised by you.

[MP_MK]

The Australian Removed it from the online site.

Guessing due to greek protest? The greeks hit the "Adelaide Now" switchboard hard yesterday within the hour.

[MP_MK]

Apologies, it's back online.

What I am enjoying mostly about this is that the media are writting 'MACEDONIA'

[Rogi]

I'm glad to see the opposition commenting this.

[MP_MK]

I'm glad to see the opposition commenting this.

Key is to have the oppostition use this ammo to oust Rann and they will jump on the wagon after international exposure shortly.

[Rogi]

Last night on Q and A, Prime Minister Rudd gave quite a solid statement about Australia as a tolerant nation that will not stand for any racial or ethnic prejudices.

Is anyone able to get that video of last night from the ABC website and get that quote, then have Mike Rann's speech follow, just to highlight the hypocrisy?

[MP_MK]

Last night on Q and A, Prime Minister Rudd gave quite a solid statement about Australia as a tolerant nation that will not stand for any racial or ethnic prejudices.

Is anyone able to get that video of last night from the ABC website and get that quote, then have Mike Rann's speech follow, just to highlight the hypocrisy?

good thinking.

[MP_MK]

Can you get onto this Rogi?
I have a million things to do today and this would bve a good approach for the broatcast in MK tomorrow.

[makedonche]

I'll ask the questions again and this time I expect them answered instead of deflected. I also request the administrators monitor this response or lack of it and take the necessary actions if you fail to answer these questions - you make broad sweeping comments and statements yet fail to answer questions that go directly to credibility.
You yourself have stated there are two Macedonian communities in Adelaide so tell us which one of these communities you represent and what position you hold - I'll make it easy for you, nominate which of these you hold :- 1/. President /. Vice President 3/. Secretary 4/. Treasurer? Feel free to choose from items 1-4.

MP_MK
I still require an answer, and I'm still waiting, try to answer on your own behalf this time intread of having someone post a reply so you don't have to answer! If there are not enough choices there feel free on choosing one of your own making.

[Vangelovski]

I'm still wondering why Michael P kept this all hushed up until Meto got here? And I'm also waiting for a reply to Makedonche's questions.