U.S. position on Macedonia

[momce]

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/22458/45/

Ex CIA official: Macedonia is right in defending its interests
Saturday, 29 December 2012

Of course Macedonia has the right to defend itself against predators like the globalist CIA. We should have plans drawn up to deal with all our enemies. Their activities and those of other intelligence agencies in Macedonia are highly dubious to put it mildly.

[Phoenix]

More Than 50 Countries Helped the CIA Outsource Torture


In the years after 9/11, the CIA ran a worldwide program to hold and interrogate suspected members of al-Qaida, sometimes brutally. It wasn’t alone: The agency had literally dozens of partners that helped in ways large and small. Only it’s never been clear just how many nations enabled CIA capture and torture; cooperated with it; or carried it out on behalf of the U.S. — until now.

A new report from the Open Society Foundation details the CIA’s effort to outsource torture since 9/11 in excruciating detail. Known as “extraordinary rendition,” the practice concerns taking detainees to and from U.S. custody without a legal process — think of it like an off-the-books extradition — and often entailed handing detainees over to countries that practiced torture. The Open Society Foundation found that 136 people went through the post-9/11 extraordinary rendition, and 54 countries were complicit in it.

Some were official U.S. adversaries, like Iran and Syria, brought together with the CIA by the shared interest of combating terrorism. “By engaging in torture and other abuses associated with secret detention and extraordinary rendition,” writes chief Open Society Foundation investigator Amrit Singh in a report released early Tuesday, “the U.S. government violated domestic and international law, thereby diminishing its moral standing and eroding support for its counterterrorism efforts worldwide as these abuses came to light.”

Iran didn’t do any torturing on behalf of the CIA. Instead, it quietly transferred at least 15 of its own detainees to Afghan custody in March 2002. Six of those found their way into the CIA’s secret prisons. “Because the hand-over happened soon after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan,” Singh writes, “Iran was aware that the United States would have effective control over any detainees handed over to Afghan authorities.” At least one of those detainees, Tawfik al-Bihani, ended up at Guantanamo Bay, where his official file makes no mention of his time with the CIA.

Iran’s proxy Syria did torture on behalf of the United States. The most famous case involves Maher Arar, a Canadian citizen snatched in 2002 by the U.S. at John F. Kennedy International Airport before the CIA sent him to Syria under the mistaken impression he was a terrorist. In Syrian custody, Arar was “imprisoned for more than ten months in a tiny grave-like cell, beaten with cables, and threatened with electric shocks by the Syrian government,” Singh writes.


But it wasn’t just Arar. At least seven others were rendered to Syria. Among their destinations: a prison in west Damascus called the Palestine Branch, which features an area called “the Grave,” comprised of “individual cells that were roughly the size of coffins.” Syrian intelligence reportedly uses something called a “German Chair” to “stretch the spine.” These days the Obama administration prefers to call for Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, the murderer of over 60,000 Syrians, to step down.

Many, many other countries were complicit in the renditions. For a month, Zimbabwe hosted five CIA detainees seized from Malawi in June 2003 before they were released in Sudan. Turkey, a NATO ally, allowed a plane operated by Richmor Aviation, which has been linked to CIA renditions, to refuel in Adana in 2002 and gave an Iraqi terrorist suspect to the CIA in 2006. Lots of countries played host to CIA rendition flights, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Afghanistan, Belgium and Azerbaijan. Italy let the plane carrying Arar refuel. Under Muammar Gadhafi, Libya was an eager participant in the CIA’s rendition scheme — and the Open Society Foundation sifted through documents found after Gadhafi fell to discover that Hong Kong helped shuttle a detainee named Abu Munthir to the Libyan regime.

The full 54 countries that aided in post-9/11 renditions: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. The Open Society Foundation doesn’t rule out additional ones being involved that it has yet to discover.

Singh and the Open Society Foundation don’t presume that the CIA is out of the extraordinary renditions game under Obama. Danger Room pal Jeremy Scahill recently toured a prison in Somalia that the CIA uses. While Obama issued an executive order in 2009 to get the CIA out of the detentions business, the order “did not apply to facilities used for short term, transitory detention.” The Obama administration says it won’t transfer detainees to countries without a pledge from a host government not to torture them — but Syria’s Assad made exactly that pledge to the U.S. before torturing Maher Arar.

Much of this is likely to be contained in the Senate intelligence committee’s recent report into CIA torture. It’s unclear when, if ever, that report will be declassified. But the Open Society Foundation’s study into renditions comes right as Obama aide John Brennan — already under pressure to clarify his role, if any, in post-9/11 torture — is about to testify to the panel ahead of becoming CIA director. It remains to be seen if the Senate committee will ask Brennan to clarify if the CIA still practices extraordinary rendition, along with its old friends.

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2013/02/54-countries-rendition/

[momce]

Interesting. Something horribly different then what is being presented is going on here. The activities of these plutocratically-tied agencies should be of serious concern in Macedonias National Security community.

[momce]

they will just exploit macedonia to the hilt & when things are finished spew it out like the rest who are on the scrap heap.

Yes hit and run is their game. Basically, deviant oligarchy. Very dangerous, counter-intel and planning needed.

[momce]

Problem is they let the wolf in the chicken coop mistaking it for a lamb, the socalled "West"(what the colonial, olgarchic-racist imperialist West and all haha). Russia is the best option for Macedonia they have plush cash reserves and have reorganised their armed forces and they are developing new nucleur weapons also. Any Macedonian forces sent to Iraq or Afghanistan should be probably be brought home. Build a home guard, village militias, strike groups etc for when the Western system comes off its moorings(grease will completely disintegrate anyways that dunghole is like a chicken running around with its head cut off now). I'm sure the Russians would like a nice military base in Macedonia(if such a base had tactical nukes even better)that it can strech its feet out of then we can can threaten, free the Aegean together. Remember the world is still contested space. Our natural allies are large land powers and we have been stateless for 2000 years. There are no rules on legitimate enemies. Fight smart and dirty.

[George S.]

the cia in 2001 proved what a bunch of subversive imbeciles they were supporting & training the nla & uck to fight a democratic govt.Blind freddy could tell you it wasn't about any rights.Asx all the rights were accorded to the albanians.It was more to overthrow the macedonian govt.The albanians wanted to wreck as much damage as possible hence the ohrid framework agreement introduced to counteract any macedonian soveregnity on the albanians by macedonia.

[momce]

Yes its called "strategy of tension" basically they keep tensions going on in a region for their own peculiar reasons. Constant war footing is needed because this is an unorthodox war that can get ugly. Too many tensions in many forms. There should be a focus on internal security for now at least. Macedonia socalled allies are the biggest problem. Unless they have already pasteurized the country like homogenised milk. Then there will be rich elites who live off foreign companies and banks and largescale poverty, pseudo-politics and the encroaching demographic bomb. People seem to be being fooled by cheap consumerism(which is unsustainable) and big money for the elites until the area becomes a big waste recycleing centre. Wouldnt surprise me if elites already have relocation plans. In that case only patriotic elements in the security forces, military and private militias and paramilitary groups can save anything. I hope they are somewhere there "waiting in the shadows" as they say.

[George S.]

what i was saying that we shouldn't be trusting of people that have gone agains't the national interest.If the war were allowed to go on in 2001 the macedonian forces would have driven the albanians out.We would not be facing the framework agreement.So the albanian minority would not be a problem today if our security forces were allowed to do their job.

[momce]

But they cant because the people running the NLA are NATO etc which Macedonia allowed on its territory. I think they want to use the Albanians as a regional beehive to sting people who try to stray from the globalist scheme. Thats what I mean by internal plan B.

[Phoenix]

... Any Macedonian forces sent to Iraq or Afghanistan should be probably be brought home. Build a home guard, village militias, strike groups etc for when the Western system comes off its moorings(grease will completely disintegrate anyways that dunghole is like a chicken running around with its head cut off now)...

Around a decade ago the US envisaged a niche, special forces/counter insurgency role for Macedonian forces within NATO operations. This was reported in Jane's at the time (circa 2002).
By the early 2000's, the special forces units of the former Yugoslavia were considered having very good counter insurgency skills, having waged urban battles for almost 10 years in the wars across the former Yugoslavia.

This capability was quite attractive to the American's in the early 2000's, bearing in mind that the Afghan engagement was just starting and Iraq was next on the 'agenda'.
Even Australia's counter insurgency capability was only just developing in a 'real' theatre of war in the years from 1999 to the early 2000's in East Timor.

This early period was particularly difficult for the American's who hadn't come to terms with the strategic use of special forces and most American commanders were loathe to use them in battle. Today things are vastly different and the capability of the American's has improved exponentially (just as Australia's capability has also improved)

If Macedonian forces are involved in a counter insurgency role (as they were in Iraq) in Afghanistan today, that role should remain for as long as the American's are involved. That's the best environment for Macedonian forces to hone their skills, to piggy back on the evolving tactics used by the US in this type of warfare. They're the 'skills' that Macedonian security forces need to bring back to Macedonia and defend us from the enemy within.

The American's were a complete basketcase for 30 years from the 1970's onwards in special forces/counter insurgency but in the decade from 2000 their capability is possibly unmatched. That's why even the guys who wrote the book on the subject, the British SAS, will do anything to be involved with the American's. That should also be Macedonia's mindset.

[Phoenix]

But they cant because the people running the NLA are NATO etc which Macedonia allowed on its territory. I think they want to use the Albanians as a regional beehive to sting people who try to stray from the globalist scheme. Thats what I mean by internal plan B.

I think it's America's strategy to have weak statelets, the break-up of yugoslavia achieved this goal, the shiptari were allowed to rise to further weaken the serbs and by default create another weak statelet (Kosovo).
Now America and particularly the CIA has enough warring 'tribes' to manipulate, if anyone of those states begins to entertain too many 'outlandish' notions that they're even remotely sovereign nations...

[George S.]

kosovo even if they are soveregn is not really settled,that is that there is no input from serbs & their needs.So it's notsettled yet.

[momce]

I think it's America's strategy to have weak statelets, the break-up of yugoslavia achieved this goal, the shiptari were allowed to rise to further weaken the serbs and by default create another weak statelet (Kosovo).
Now America and particularly the CIA has enough warring 'tribes' to manipulate, if anyone of those states begins to entertain too many 'outlandish' notions that they're even remotely sovereign nations...

And yes then they will just swarm anything that gets in their way or resists.

[iceman]

"greek" settler samaras in usa , problems remain

http://www.mkd.mk/kolumni/samaras-vo-sad-problemite-ostanuvaat

GOOGLE TRANSLATE WAS USED

Samaras in the United States , problems remain
And personally Samaras , Greece should be satisfied by a visit to the United States that is an indisputable success .

To get to the Obama White House and talk to Kerry at the State Department 's success for any politician . There can be reached only when there is a clear American interest . One of the reasons was admitted Samaras is certainly previous visit by Erdogan , in May , and balance that Washington wants to hold between two angry neighbors and rivals in the region . A second important point that emerges from the visit , a reaffirmation of U.S. interests in the Balkans , as many are trying to minimize . Washington too much invested here easy to pull . The third element is the commitment of the United States continues to maintain its influence in Europe , this time by one of the most vulnerable countries . The reason is the financial crisis which strongly worries Washington and one of its major carriers is just Greece. U.S. promotes diametrically opposite therapy sproveduvanata ( savings , savings ... ) . Samaras received open support for the euro , and with it the world economy , currently most dependent - Athens ! If it goes bankrupt , goes Avalanche with unforeseeable consequences . Therefore , the world continues to throw new tens of billions of euros in Greek bottomless barrel .

In general, although we do not know exactly what was discussed or agreed that the success of this visit which reached Samaras , and through him, and Greece is indisputable , although the end of the meeting with Obama 's character Samaras had any just satisfaction . However , they expressed praise Obama , however formal and courtesy , have some weight . The fact is that Samaras received treatment and high leverage against a clear policy of austerity , which forced Germany and Athens is already considered harmful and that emphasis should be placed on growth and employment . Whether it will have any effect , however , will depend on the September elections in Germany.

In foreign policy , Obama said that "Greece can play an important stabilizing role and partnership " but as said - " in our dealing with issues in the Middle East , North Africa and the Balkans." He did not leave any room for some self- Greek action , but only serve U.S. interests . Obama's stance can be taken as some confirmation that the same yardstick applies to the problem with our name - Greece supernumerary that monitors and enforces directives U.S. .

Speaking of name , striking it was not mentioned as a topic that can be expected . For several reasons . Most likely, it was the topic Obama , though may have been mentioned the need for faster solution , given the high interest and neprikrien the U.S. problem . However , it is certainly discussed in detail in Kerry . That part of the conversation probably was not very pleasant for Samaras . U.S. wants it possible closure of the problem , and Greece, in conditions in which the land is located , it is absolutely out of the question . And here , their interests are confronted .

Refusal of Athens last , April Nimetz proposal is American failure . Washington is actually behind all Nimetz proposals . They sizzle with them because no other mediator logistics. A proposal is meaningless and Athens and Skopje . "Republic " can be " top " , " North " or something similar . However , we must be aware that adding the "Upper " before " the Republic ," and not to " Macedonia " is a step that should look in our favor and not deceive . It is a big scam and that hook us podmetnuvaat just Americans who need to grasp , and the consequences will be absolutely the same as it is before the adjective " Macedonian " .

But, Athens and it can not accept though certainly has all American guarantees that the Macedonians will be crossed, and in this way .

Greece, especially in difficult domestic conditions , can not agree to something that will directly , immediately , to erase Macedonians as a distinct people. Simply public there, it will not digest . Not only fascists of the Golden Dawn , but all generally . It is certain that Samaras clearly defined limits on the Greek problem and it's hard to believe it showed some flexibility .

If the name is mention in the information about the visit , it would have meant an open and direct pressure on Greece . Whatever you say , we show that Athens is still an unresolved problem with neighbors . It was perfect even the U.S. , not just Greece . The visit would have been devalued .

In this context , not at random nor the statements of Ambassador Hill and Joseph (formerly the Crisis Group , now a professor ) that Washington has lost interest in the name issue . It is not true . Their interest remains and is even emphasized , but are aware that no exit tunnel not in sight . Yes there is such a thing , Samaras meetings would be the sign of - name . As always , and Hill , and Joseph , defend U.S. interests that are currently stuck in an impasse . In fact , their statements are an additional pressure on Macedonia , as it remains blocked and blackmailed . Why else would they both went to the same position at the same time? The message is simple - if you want a solution , give concessions . In other words , cancel it by yourself . That is the real U.S. policy on this issue . Greece - no rush .

Arguments can be assumed that the name Ban Ki-moon and was the main topic , because the presence of the Nimitz . It is certain that Samaras reiterated their known positions and did not take any additional obligations.

It is interesting that the visit had greater resonance in the world press . Comments are rare and mainly down to the support that Samaras went around and around domestic reform strategy to boost growth and employment at the expense of saving.

Positive treatment Samaras is likely a result of the government's crisis is a reality in Athens . The government has a minimal majority in parliament , which can easily melt . Repeat Mitsotakis case , since the 1990s , when there was one more member . Just like now , Macedonia and was then the victim of the support he enjoyed . If you fall Samaras will follow new election nobody wants. You will lose valuable time will not reform and reconfiguring that immediate need, and so far invested in the country ( over 300 billion) may fall into the water . Therefore , everyone will keep Greece something sacred , not to fail them money invested there , and not to threaten the euro and the international economic order .

Macedonia ( which way ? ) Is going to be collateral damage .

[DedoAleko]

uS ambassador in MK on identity

Ambassador VOLers: It’s dangerous to form an identity by going back in time



Tetovo, November 26, 2013

US ambassador to FYR Macedonia, Paul Volers has declared that it’s dangerous for a nation to form an identity by going back in time.

He has stressed this in the University of Southeast Europe in Tetovo on the occasion of a lecture held for the 50th anniversary of the killing of the former US president, John F. Kennedy.

After a long speech about the killing and the comments on it 50 years later, the US ambassador has also talked about the current issues of FYROM, in particular on the issues of the name dispute.

“As people of Macedonia, you must decide on how to define yourself and based on what values. You cannot define yourself based on your nationality, which differs. You cannot do it based on the religion, which differs and not even based on culture which is similar, but not the same. You must find what you have in common and there must be a big debate on this.

Some attempt to do this through the formation of an identity, by going back in time, but like I said, this is dangerous for the identity, because some may feel left out. I believe that many people in this country feel left out as a result of such approach. Therefore, the request for joint values is very important for the future. According to me, everyone should participate in this debate”, declared ambassador Volers.

Ambassador Volers declared that there are many similarities between FYR Macedonia and USA which can be applied in manifesting the identity.

The US ambassador reiterated what Kennedy said “Don’t ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. Volers has linked this with the latest developments in FYROM, where everyone is expecting things to be solved by the state, USA, EU. “If you expect the state to solve all the problems, then your wait will be very long. If you want to make your country more powerful and better, this depends on you. The solution to your problems depends on your work and decisions and not the state”, declared US ambassador Volers at the University of Southeast Europe in Tetovo.

izvor: http://www.balkaneu.com/ambassador-v...identity-time/