United Macedonia Diaspora

[Soldier of Macedon]

Originally Posted by UMDiaspora.org

One should understand the interview was given during a time when Democratic Republic of Macedonia for UN/EU/NATO use only was on the negotiation table, proposed by Ambassador Nimetz.

That does not erase the fact that at 1.39 mins on the ZMR clip, Meto says "we feel that perhaps a political modifier such as democratic might be more acceptable, only for international use, to get rid of this erroneous name, the former yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", and goes on to say the following at 2.21 mins on the same clip, "our organisation believes that a name should be found that is acceptable to both parties for bilateral reference, but I don't think a compromise on the international name is acceptable".

The comment at 1.39 mins is clear - Meto finds a political modifier acceptable for international use (I am assuming UN, EU, NATO) - Essentially, he therefore finds a name change acceptable in this respect. That is not a matter of opinion, it is a fact, and cannot be denied.

At the beginning of the comment at 2.21 mins, he states his belief that a bilateral name should be found with Greece. However, in the conclusion he is either contradicting his earlier statement, or making reference to the international name in dealings with nations that recognize Macedonia by her constitutional name.

So, if I am understanding this right, we would have the following scenario according to the suggestions that Meto (clearly) made:

1) Democratic Republic of Macedonia for international use in UN, EU and NATO
2) Upper Macedonia (for example) for bilateral use with Greece
3) Republic of Macedonia for constitutional and international use by countries willing to recognise Macedonia

If I am misunderstanding, please fill me in.

The Macedonian Government, to our knowledge and based on our contacts, accepted this proposal Democratic Republic of Macedonia just as it accepted Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) few days before the NATO Summit.

The UMD aren't there to be 'yes-men' for the Macedonian Government, they are there to forever remind them of the Macedonian Diaspora's presence and sentiment. If the Macedonian Government is showing signs of caving in, it is the UMD's job to assist them in staying on the right path, not to support a name change.

The bottom line, UMDiaspora.org, is that the president of an organisation that claims to represent the Macedonian Diaspora has made an error. Regardless of how many times it is re-interpreted, what he said was clear as day; regardless of whatever circumstances prevailed at the time, there should never have been a flinch from the UMD where it concerns our historic name, but there was. Acknowledge the errors of the past, don't defend them, and let's move on.

Originally Posted by Rogi

Your comment, about the ZMR interview with Meto Koloski is separate to the specific above quote, and it's not for me to answer for others on that particular point.

Rogi, I am not asking you to answer for others. What I asked was, do you believe I am misrepresenting the ZMR interview? Perhaps I should have said misunderstanding or misinterpreting, either way, would like to hear your opinion on it.

[UMDiaspora.org]

Originally Posted by Prolet

The Bulgarians to me are the most dangerous opponents because they are always plotting and pretending its how they've been behaving for centuries now, it is a dangerous game and if i where the UMD i'd keep my distance from the MPO. Sure they can be used to some extent with the name dispute however giving them total control in our political affairs is suicide, this is the same organization thats in coalition with the Radko movements in Macedonia, the same Organization who complained to the Macedonian Government about Spaska Mitreva its so obvious its not funny, the reason why Bishop Metodija gave them recognition is because they have control over alot Churches in North America and if anything where to spill overthere it would be much worse then the Church Chaos we have here in Australia.

MPO has no control over any Macedonian Orthodox Church in the U.S. or Canada, and UMD can assure you on that. The MOC has nothing to worry about from MPO. The MOC should worry about ensuring the youth get involved take over from the older generation, as the way things are going some churches will cease to exist in 10-15 years.

[UMDiaspora.org]

Makgerman, we are not 100% sure, but we believe that there is a law in Greece that states children of parents of Greek birth can apply for citizenship as well. Have your parents applied for citizenship?

[UMDiaspora.org]

Originally Posted by makedonche

I still don't have answers to my specific questions, here they are again in case you missed them.
"Will you state categorically and unequivocally that the name/dispute/ negotiations must cease immediatley?
Will you state that Macedonia must commence proceedings for redress at UN level to remove the illegally imposed FYR?"

You received an e-mail.

Yes, and Yes.

[UMDiaspora.org]

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-...28-706371.html

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--The International Monetary Fund welcomed the expected return of economic growth to Macedonia, but said supporting growth while reducing external imbalances will remain a challenge for the former Yugoslav republic.

"The large - albeit reduced - current account deficit in the context of an exchange rate peg is a source of vulnerability and limits the room for policy maneuver," the IMF said in a report released Monday.

The Macedonian economy is expected to expand at a 2.0% rate in 2010, following an anticipated 1.3% decline this year.

The IMF said the National Bank of Macedonia's tightening of monetary policy this year helped rebuild the country's international reserves and support its exchange-rate peg. But the fund called for a "cautious" easing of monetary policy going forward, saying Macedonian authorities should wait for clear signs of favorable trends in the balance of payments and international reserves.

-By Henry J. Pulizzi, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9256; [email protected]

[UMDiaspora.org]

Now that we have answered your questions, please wait for the UMD Policy Statements which will be published in a few more short weeks.

Makedonche and Phoenix - when was the last time you wrote a letter to Prime Minister Gruevski to answer these questions?

[makgerman]

Originally Posted by UMDiaspora.org

Makgerman, we are not 100% sure, but we believe that there is a law in Greece that states children of parents of Greek birth can apply for citizenship as well. Have your parents applied for citizenship?

UMD only one of my parents was born in Greece and hasn't applied for citizenship due to his health. My grandparents and uncles have passed away. My father, aunt and three of my oldest cousins are the remainder who are alive and have been born in German.

I know that none of them have applied and will make them aware of it if they haven't already been informed.

[UMDiaspora.org]

Sorry about your parent's health. Hope they get better!

Please encourage them to apply, you can submit the application on their behalf. Actually, all Macedonians who are born in Greece should have their Greek citizenship.

[UMDiaspora.org]

http://www.gopetition.com/online/28650.html

[Risto the Great]

Originally Posted by UMDiaspora.org

Makedonche and Phoenix - when was the last time you wrote a letter to Prime Minister Gruevski to answer these questions?

Great Question UMDiaspora.org.
So great in fact that I feel it is worthy of a little attention in a new sticky called Macedonian Prime Minister's Letterbox.