Macedonia - What's In A Name?
I read an article in the Washington Times called “Name Dispute or Ethnic Misdeeds?” by Metodija A. Koloski, in which the case was put forward that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia [FYROM] has every right to use the name Republic of Macedonia.
Further, Metodija proceeded to claim a sort-of Macedonian genocide by the Greek state [An independent Macedonian state is anathema to Greece because it is an embarrassing reminder of Greece’s failed attempts to wipe out the Macedonian people” in Metadojia’s own words].
What Metodija failed to mention in the article, amongst other things, is the whole issue of the name “Macedonia” and it’s origins.
Macedonia was an ancient kingdom based around the city of Pella. Alexander the Great and his people were Hellenised prior to 400BC and remainded a Greek speaking region right through to the present day. That’s a history of over 2,400 years of being Greek and part of the Greek world. Alexander the Great himself ruled from Pella, and spread the Greek civilisation throughout what is now the Balkans, Middle East, northeastern Africa and into northwestern India.
Now to the issue of FYROM and it’s desire to be called the Republic of Macedonia. Metodija claimed that FYROM has made every effort to appease the Greek government, including “mended its constitution to unequivocally disclaim any “territorial ambitions,” and it changed national symbols to remove “Greek” connections.”.
Blindness is one thing, but that comment is full of potholes wide enough for anyone to fall into. FYROM’s capital Skopje renamed its airport to “Alexander the Great” and they still use the ancient star-burst symbol [Vergina Sun] of Alexander the Great as their flag. Sure, they amended it in 1995, but only a half-wit will not notice the similarities.
If FYROM truly wanted peace with Greece over the name of the republic, then why not chose something else? The people who reside in FYROM are Slavic in origin, and have no connection with ancient Macedonia and Alexander the Great. Further, the bulk of the geographical region called Macedonia, falls within Greece’s borders. For the Greek government to allow FYROM to be called Macedonia, would not only confuse the status of the region, but will also bring it at odds with Bulgaria, who also has a region called Macedonia. To make matters worse, part of geographical Macedonia falls into the territory of Albania as well.
The Greek objection is a fair one, and one that looks not only to the present and immediate future, but also into the distant future. If FYROM is allowed to call itself the Republic of Macedonia, then what happens to not only the part of Macedonia within Greece, but also the regions in Bulgaria [who call it Vardar Macedonia] and Albania? Lets not forget that within FYROM there is a vibrant organisation called United Macedonia, which calls for the union of all lands within the geographical region named Macedonia.
By accepting the name Republic of Macedonia, Greece implies that it recognises the republic as not only by name, but by implication that it is the “true” Macedonia. These fears are held not only by the Greek Government, but also by Bulgaria where they have raised concerns over the UMO Ilinden–Pirin movement and its “united Macedonia” philosophy.
What’s in a name? In this particular case, the name Macedonia is one that is a powder keg ready to be ignited. For FYROM to be allowed to adopt the name Republic of Macedonia, it will create a lot of tension and hostility in the region, destabilising the Balkans. It is in everyone’s interests that FYROM adopt a name other than Republic of Macedonia and people like Metodija need to look beyond their own self-interests and agendas.
posted by James Bailey @ 9:12 pm
28 comments
28 Comments:
I couldn't have said it better...
interesting article to discuss James. however, many historians would disagree with your view. here is some interesting website. i don't want to be arrogant by pasting the article from a macedonian website, but many western historians have posted similar facts and opinions too.
cheers.
http://www.macedoniancommunity.com/protests/melbourne/2008/brief_history.html
Why Macedonia and the Macedonians had Never been Greek?
1. The ancient Macedonians were a distinct nation, separate from their neighbors, the ancient Greeks, Illyrians, and Thracians. The ancient Greek and Roman historians tell us that the Macedonians spoke a separate Macedonian language and had their own customs, culture, and traditions. Archeological discoveries confirm that the material culture of the Macedonians also defer greatly from all their neighbors, and it is by far more superior in artistry (gold, paintings, weapons, mosaics) then anything found in contemporary Greece, Illyria, and Thrace. The texts of the ancient writers distinguish the Macedonians from the ancient Greeks, just like they distinguish the Romans and the Carthaginians. Yet, like the other non-Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Illyrians, and Thracians, the Macedonian high society also used the Greek language along with Macedonian. Greek was spoken by the nobility of many different ancient nations, just like French was spoken in the 19th century (at the German and Russian courts for example). Unfortunately there are only about 150 glosses that have survived of the ancient Macedonian language (most of them with no relation whatsoever with ancient Greek), and like ancient Carthaginian, Illyrian, and Thracian, it can not be reconstructed. There is no doubt nevertheless that the Illyrains, Thracians, and Macedonians were non-Greeks, or in the words of the ancient Greeks "barbarians" which literally means people who spoke other non-Greek languages.
Slavs invaded the whole of Balkans in the 6th century, including Macedonia and the whole of Greece, all the way down to the Peloponnesus. Byzantine historians clearly mentioned that the Macedonians did not disappear with the Slavic invasion but continued to exist. In the 10th century Salonica is described as the "largest city of the Macedonians" and to subdue the independent Slavic tribes in the Peloponnesus in Greece, the Byzantine emperors who were Macedonians, belonging to the Macedonian Dynasty, had to sent "Macedonians and Thracians" against them. Thus the Macedonians and Slavs have been living side by side ever since the 6th century. Over period of centuries these Slavic people mixed into the Macedonians in Macedonia, and with the Greeks in Greece, and laid the foundations for the modern Macedonian and Greek nations. Historical records continue to mention the Macedonians until the fall of the Byzantine Empire. It must be stressed that there is NO record of invasion of Greeks into Macedonia.
Turkey conquered the Balkans in the 14th century including Greece and Macedonia. With the help of the western powers, the Greeks freed themselves in the 1820's, but the Macedonians failed to gain freedom with their rebellions in 1870's and in 1903.
Independent European and Balkan statistics (except exaggerated Greek sources) from the late 19th and early 20th century show that the Greeks were a small minority of only 10%, living in the most southern parts of Macedonia, bordering Greece.
In 1913 Greece and her allies Serbia and Bulgaria, with the help of more then 100,000 Macedonians who fought along these three armies, drove the Turks out of Macedonia, but Macedonia did not gain its freedom. Instead, the Balkan countries partitioned Macedonia among themselves and Greece occupied the largest part, 51% of the whole territory, called Aegean Macedonia.
Even Greeks sources, including the king of Greece himself in 1912, confirm that when the Greek armies occupied Aegean Macedonia the overwhelming majority of the population were NOT Greeks, confirming the fact that the Greeks never lived in Macedonia since the most ancient times (Nikolaides, Spiros Melas Epopee).
But since 1913 Greece begun its assimilatory policies against the Macedonians, changing their family names to Greek names, renaming the cities, rivers, and mountains with Greek names, and forbidding the speaking of the Macedonian language.
In the mid 1920's Greeks from Asia Minor begun migrating into Aegean Macedonia for a first time ever, and soon the Macedonians found themselves among strangers in their native land, who most vigorously attacked everything that represents the Macedonian nationality and consciousness. In the 1930's the Macedonians were forced to drink castor oil for speaking Macedonian and had to pay financial penalty for every spoken word of Macedonian.
biggest DNA database in the world - IGENEA - Swotzerland.
http://www.igenea.com/
please have a look at the research they have done in Macedonia and Greece. results indicate macedonians are directly connected with the ancient macedonians with mixture of slav DNA ofcourse, where greeks have no connection with ancient macedonians whatsoever.
thanks
I find it amazing how little you understand the ancient world and the use of names.
If you care to research a bit more thoroughly, you would see that the Greek world used the names of the city states and kingdoms to identify the participants.
For example, the Spartans versus the Athenians, the Syracusians versus the Macedonians. All Greek city states and kingdoms, but when discussed in documents, the names were used to identify the participants.
As for igenea.com, I have had a look at the site and its "research", and to be honest, I place it in the same category as those genealogy sites.
Reality is that FYROM has absolutely NO RIGHT to use the name Republic of Macedonia, as FYROM only encompasses about 30% of the entire Macedonia region.
As you and I have both pointed out, the Slavs moved into the region around 600AD and that is what FYROMacedonians are descended from ... not the Macedonians of the ancient world.
The name issue has to be resolved, and to date, the only side that has budged is Greece who has gone from "absolutely no way can FYROM use the name Macedonia" to "they can use it, but must add something to their name to differentiate them from the other Macedonias".
Its a shame that FYROM is so narrow-minded in its attitude, and is incapable of adhering to international agreements. Remember, FYROM AGREED to join the UN under the name of FYROM and to keep that name until the name issue was resolved.
Two questions to the author:
1.How come the name "Republic of Macedonia" was not a problem to Greece when it was one of the republics of Yugoslavia (45 years)?
2. The minister for foreign affairs of Greece - Dora Bakoyannis recently stated that Greece placed veto to FYROM's aspirations to be part of NATO and that it was a strategy planned from two years ago. Isn't this a very big proof that Greece is the side in this talks that does not want a solution to this problem?
My view:
Todays Macedonians (that you call FYROM are a mix of: ancient macedonians (such as Alexander of Macedon), slavs (Kiril & Metodij), Turks and many other nationalities that have lived and still live in the region. As for the Greeks, seems like they are trying very hard to be the "clean" people that has not been influenced and are not even recognizing the minorities that still exist there ( one of them being Macedonians).
hello to sotir1978 and I totally agree with your comments.
Thanks for posting my comment.
dsimoski, in response to your two questions.
1. When Yugoslavia existed, one of the integral parts of the federation was the Republic of Macedonia. However it was not an independent nation, the same way the province of Maceodnia in Greece is not an independent nation.
Neither claimed to be the SOLE Macedonia.
My stance would be EXACTLY the same if the Greek province broke away and decided to call itself the Republic of Macedonia. I would object to that too, for they are not the only Macedonia.
Thus trying to use the argument that "we were Republic of Macedonia when we were in Yugoslavia, gives us the right to call ourselves Republic of Macedonia now that we independent" does not stand.
In regards to your second question, the answer is quite obvious.
When Yugoslavia broke up, the various republics gained independence. Under the agreement which allowed FYROM to join the UN was that it would use the name FYROM until the name issue was resolved. However, as you are very well aware, FYROM reneged on the agreement and proceeded to dump the name FYROM and adopt Republic of Macedonia.
Thus, faced with a nation which showed no respect to international agreements, Greece was left no option other to use whatever influence it had to block FYROM.
You need to remember that FYROM is the official name of your nation in the UN.
As for the racial mix of FYROM, you are quite correct. It is a mixture of races, thus by that sole argument you can not claim to be Macedonians and also directly claim the tradition and history of the Macedonian people as a whole.
Now my advise is to put the egos [on both sides] aside, and add something to your country's name and move on. To be honest, how intransigent can you be? Is it that difficult to call yourselves Republic of North Macedonia or Republic of Upper Macedonia? This will not stop you calling yourselves Macedonians, but it will allow you to not only join NATO and the EU, but also create a peaceful co-existence with your neighbours.
James, thanks for your answers.
I think that you do not really understand the nature and the core of the problem between Greece and Macedonia (in UN they call it FYROM but I call it Macedonia as well as USA, Russa, China, India and other 100 contries).
The problem is that Greeks want to destroy the Macedonians' identity which is everything that a nation can have.
Another proof that the problem is not in the name:
Your answer is that Greece did not have a problem when one of the republics of Yugoslavia was "Republic of Macedonia" because it was part of yugoslavia and not an independant contry.
How come than in your article you are saying "FYROM’s capital Skopje renamed its airport to “Alexander the Great” and they still use the ancient star-burst symbol [Vergina Sun] of Alexander the Great as their flag" and Greeks find this as provocation or something we should not use???
How come a whole republic named Macedonia was NOT a problem and provocation from then Yugoslavia and now one airport name IS A BIG PROBLEM?
I'm telling you James the name is not the problem. Greeks just don't want to see their neigbour Macedonia as a stable proud country.
Honesty is a virtue. The truth always comes and the rightfullness always wins.
Regards
"How come than in your article you are saying "FYROM’s capital Skopje renamed its airport to “Alexander the Great” and they still use the ancient star-burst symbol [Vergina Sun] of Alexander the Great as their flag" and Greeks find this as provocation or something we should not use???"
No you shouldnt. Neither Alexander the Great nor the Vergina Sun orginates within the borders of FYROM. Further, as you correctly pointed out, the FYROM population is not Macedonian but a mixture of races. You have no direct connection to the heritage of Alexander the Great with the exception that your people migrated into the region a thousand years after his rule.
What you are doing is like Thessalonika renaming its airport after a Bulgarian historical figure and claiming it as its own.
The name IS the main issue. Greece has clearly and categorically made that quite evident. The name MUST be resolved and Greece will back FYROM's membership into not only NATO but the EU.
The other issue is claiming a history that does not belong to you. Its like Mongolia claiming Polish history simply because Genghis Khan conquered them once upon a time.
They have repeatedly stated that. If you are not aware of that, then you need to look at your politicians and the media to ascertain why that is not being told to you.
For your info. Greece has made it quite clear what it wants - the name issue resolved.
FM Bakoyannis on relations with FYROM, name issue talks
19 June, 2008
Finding a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute over the name issue was the sole object of the negotiations between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stressed on Wednesday during a press conference. She had been asked to comment on statements by FYROM officials that Greece must first "accept the existence of a Macedonian ethnicity and language" before a solution to the name issue could be found.
"We have repeatedly stated that this negotiation has one and only object. We will not get dragged into a discussion that might finally lead to a derailment of the negotiating effort from its object," Bakoyannis stressed.
The minister indicated that Greece was satisfied with the text of conclusions agreed with EU foreign ministers with regard to FYROM and its prospects of joining the EU.
"The discussion at the General Affairs Council was intense, the final text satisfactory, while the processing and discussion for the text of the European Council's conclusions is continuing at this time. In Greece's view, this must be a text whose messages are clear," she said.
Commenting on the elections held in FYROM, meanwhile, Bakoyannis noted incidents of violence that led to flagrant irregularities in the election process and said that the process appeared to have ended with the repeat elections.
"At the same time, however, I do not think that anyone can overlook the fact of a very specific result, in which the VMRO and its head emerged as the strongest factor in FYROM's political life," she added.
"We look to the formation of a stable government, which will be in a position to ensure a smooth course and the cohesion of this multi-national neighbouring country, far from extreme, nationalist rhetorics that can only cause problems," Bakoyannis noted.
The minister said that Greece, as in the past, would act like a responsible neighbour that believes in the need of a stable FYROM and sincerely hoped that the neighbouring country would take those steps necessary to ensure its European and Euro-Atlantic prospects, stressing that a fundamental element of these prospects were an active respect for the principles of good neighbour relations.
"In this framework, a mutually accepted solution is a condition for us and we will work in this direction," Bakoyannis underlined.
And again. Your media and your politicians are deceiving you!
Answer of FM Ms. D. Bakoyannis regarding the FYROM name issue
Athens , 29 August 2006
Replying to a journalists question regarding statements made by the new Foreign Minister of FYROM, Mr. Antonio Milososki, as well as by FYROMs representative at the New York talks on the name issue, according to which the negotiations do not concern the international name of this country, but simply a bilateral issue with Greece positions for which the foreign minister of the neighboring country expressed understanding Foreign Minister Ms. D. Bakoyannis stated the following:
I want to remind to my colleague from FYROM that the talks in New York, under the auspices of the UN, regard the international name of his country, with which Greece maintains and seeks to maintain the best possible neighbourly, political and economic relations.
Given the fact that the minister understands, as he stated, the Greek positions, it is obvious that he also sees that the Hellenic Parliament, under any composition, will not ratify the accession of the neighbouring country to the EU and NATO if the name issue is not resolved beforehand.
Are you saying it was OK for Yugoslavia to steal Greeks history by naming one of its republics Macedonia? (which is by the way according to you only made up of Slavs)
Todays Republic of Macedonia is a mix of many nationalities however one of them being Ancient Macedonian (%30 in the DNA)and we have the right to claim Macedonian Anciant History as part of OUR history.
One thing you might not know:
In athens there is a statue of Alexander the Great but is still hidden and collecting dust in a basement because many greek historians are saying that it is a discrace to have a statue of a greeks concerer in Athens. On the other hand in Macedonia we are going to have a statue of Alexander installed soon. Also we will have other statues from all of our times (slavic, recent world war 2 etc. mix of all our ancestors).
"Are you saying it was OK for Yugoslavia to steal Greeks history by naming one of its republics Macedonia? (which is by the way according to you only made up of Slavs)"
Yugoslavia named one of its republics after the region inwhich it was in. By doing so, it doesnt make you a descendent of the ancient Macedonians.
Macedonia today is a wide region that crosses into a number of nations. The biggest porting of the Macedonia region falls within Greece.
And yes, your people are Slavs and have no relation to the ancient Macedonians at all.
seems like our politicians managed to decieve the Americans, Chinese, Indian, Canadian, Russian and other 100 contries. Oh, if they were only that good :).
However, you didn't answer one important question.
Why does Greece not recognize the existance of the Maceonian, Roma, Albanian and Vlashi minority in Greece?
Thanks
Because that is totally irrelevant to the article I posted and the naming issue of FYROM.
That's the major problem with FYROM. Rather than focusing on the issue - the naming issue - it tries to draw other issues which are totally unrelated into the discussion to avoid resolving the problem.
Now move on. Sort the name issue out. Add something to your nation's name and become an integral part of the EU, NATO and the rest of humanity.
As for some nations [eg Russia, USA etc] accepting the name you have chosen. Well ... maybe you need to look at the "strings attached" that followed with the acceptance of that name :)
James again you are only hearing your Bakojani and drawing conclusions. As I said earlier even if you only listen to Bakojani she herself commented that: Greece have decided to put VETO on FYROM two years before the NATO summit. That tells you that the Greek side does not want solution to the problem.
The Macedonian minority issue and the "name" issue are only parts of ONE issue.
Do you actually know that the talks are not exclusivelly about the "name", they include the ethnicity, language and its use, geographical identification etc..
As part of the talks the Macedonian side offered to have a panel of historians from both countries to go over all histoical facts and iron out the differences but Greece refuses this. Why? Because you guys are part of EU and NATO and with your power (having a veto option) you are basically dictating what we are going to feel, call ourselves and what everyone should think of us. Well that will never work. If you honestly want to resolve an issue than don't just pretend that you are talking because after all you are the only ones with this problem.
As for the "strings attached" I think that is your worst reply. What strings? What will China, India, Russia, America or Canada or 100 others gain from such a small country as MAcedonia? They are actually our friends.
Anyway why don't you try and answer my question? (even though according to you it is not the subject). Lets open this subject too.
Actually dsimoski, its you who fails to understand.
After a decade of trying to sort the issue out, Greece took the only option left to it ... blocking FYROM from joining NATO.
You do comprehend the fact that it was a decade AFTER the whole name issue came to the fore? Yes?
If one is faced with an intrasigent opponent [aka FYROM], then one has to start taking the necessary measures.
FYROM still had the opportunity to sort the name issue out, yet chose not to.
Or do you believe in kneejerk reactions?
In regards to the other issues, let me ask you a simple questions.
Do you acknowledge that the region called Macedonia spans across several countries? Yes or No?
Do you acknowledge that all those people living within the Macedonia region reserve the right to call themselves "Macedonians" if they so wish? Yes or No?
I'm glad you asked me this question. My answer is YES the territory of Ancient Macedonia is spread accross many countries (depending on when you look at it). However the more "recent" history was already described to you by Sotir:
"Turkey conquered the Balkans in the 14th century including Greece and Macedonia. With the help of the western powers, the Greeks freed themselves in the 1820's, but the Macedonians failed to gain freedom with their rebellions in 1870's and in 1903.
Independent European and Balkan statistics (except exaggerated Greek sources) from the late 19th and early 20th century show that the Greeks were a small minority of only 10%, living in the most southern parts of Macedonia, bordering Greece.
In 1913 Greece and her allies Serbia and Bulgaria, with the help of more then 100,000 Macedonians who fought along these three armies, drove the Turks out of Macedonia, but Macedonia did not gain its freedom. Instead, the Balkan countries partitioned Macedonia among themselves and Greece occupied the largest part, 51% of the whole territory, called Aegean Macedonia. "
This tells you James that the %51 that now Greece enjoy use to be habitated with majority Macedonians and only %5 minority Greeks. Than the genocide started and millions of Macedonians were killed and removed from their homeland (for which Greece is yet to recognize this genocide). There are still macedonians that leave in Australia and are refused entry to the aegean part of Greece which use to be their homeland. We speak the same language and we all identify as MAcedonians.
Now, James there goes your answer WHY DOES NOT GREECE RECOGNIZE THE MACEDONIAN MINORITY AND THE NAME OF ITS NEIGBOURING COUNTRY.
James with force and power you can not exterminate any race. It has been proven many times throughout history. Hitler could not kill all the Jews no matter how powerfull he was. Same here. Greeks cannot erase our identity. We are Macedonians forever.
The answer to your second question:
Yes, everyone from any of the countries can call themselves Macedonian. And so they do. Currently are not recognized in Bulgaria & Greece but time will change that. Greece is already under a lot of pressure from the Europian Commission for their behaviour.
Let me now ask you something:
Do you believe that when the Slavs ocupied the territory of Macedonia (in all parts) they mixed with the people living there (the macedonians) or do you believe that the slavs occcupied empty territory or they exterminated the Macedonians and were a "clean" race? Or maybe all the Macedonians went to the part that is under Greece now???
James, I am born Macedonian just like my parents, grandparents and so on. That is the name of my nationality and language. This stupid issue with Greece is going for 17 years and is only because Greece DOES NOT WANT A SOLUTION TO IT. Think about it. We loose a lot and you don't loose anything. You are actually arrogant (but affraid from the truth).
Time will tell what is going to happen but I believe in justice.
Nobody ever should come to you James Bailey and tell you: Look James you have to change that name since it is very English, and you are Greek. Do not steal James. And than tells you well we have to ban you from this society with a veto. Too bad. When you change your name you can be part of this australian society.
Think about it.
We are macedonians. We feel macedonians. Our name is Macedonia and want you to respect it.
What a load of hogwash.
Greece has continually stated that the name issue is the only thing holding back a peaceful co-existence between the two countries.
Another government statement, and there are hundreds of these. All saying the same thing, over and over and over again.
"Greek foreign ministry spokesman again outlines Athens' position over FYROM 'name issue'
20 October, 2007
The Greek government on Friday reiterated that it considers the neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as a “vital” economic partner, clarifying that a 75-million-euro aid programme to the country is continuing even in the face of determined obstinacy on the part of Skopje over the nagging “name issue”.
In an exclusive interview to the ANA-MPA, Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos noted that FYROM remains amongst the SE European countries included in Greece’s “Balkan Reconstruction Plan”, being included in the programme from its inception in 2002.
Koumoutsakos said 50 million euros out of the 75 million euros earmarked for FYROM will be disbursed for the proposed Corridor X highway, while he reminded that Greek investors have pumped approximately one billion euros - 60 percent of the foreign investment total in FYROM - into the land-locked country, resulting in the creation of 20,000 jobs.
Conversely, the spokesman said Athens considers that Skopje has still not shown volition to find a mutually acceptable solution over the pending “name issue” - the only remaining obstacle to full and robust relations between the two neighbours.
Along those lines, he declined to discuss specifics in terms of what Athens would consider a resolution at present, merely reiterating Greece’s standing position over a “mutually acceptable solution”.
“…we would like to clearly stress, and in a manner that does not allow for any misunderstanding, that a potential perpetuation of this outstanding issue due to the intransigence exhibited by the current FYROM government, in combination with nationalistic actions and policies and an irredentist mentality, cannot serve as the basis of building an alliance or relations of solidarity and partnership within NATO and the European Union,” Koumoutsakos stressed, adding:
“Two things are certain, namely, that an extension of the current impasse is counter-productive, and secondly, Greece will not relinquish any of the capabilities it has a member of NATO and the EU…”"
And you again avoid a direct answer to my questions.
You are NOT the only Macedonians. Is that really so hard for you to comprehend and understand? Is that so difficult for you to fathom?
Are you not able to understand that FYROM is in 30% of the Macedonia region, and that there is another Macedonia which is within Greece?
How stubborn and shortsighted are you? Seriously!
Sort the name issue out. Add something to your name and the whole problem goes away. Greece has continually stated that ... why are you so blind that you refuse to see it?
But if you wish to go historical, lets do that.
You are NOT related to the Macedonians of Alexander the Great's period. Therefore you have absolutely no right to use his name or anything from his legacy and claim it as your own.
If you bothered to study classical history, you would know that for a fact.
James I do not want to read your governments statements. Dont hide behind them.
Lets hear YOUR statements.
What can you say about the GENOCIDE to the Macedonins?
Or again it is not the subject of your article?
Anyway, soon I will have an article on these issues and I welcome your comment.
Thanks
Umm. Stupid question.
What's the title to this article?
But if you want to digress, lets.
What's your stance on gay marriage? Whats your stance on abortion?
Whats your stance on ........... shall I keep going?
SORT THE NAME ISSUE OUT for the well being and future prosperity of your nation.
Stop digressing on non-article related issues.
Well did you think about changing your name James Bailey?
Don't you think that is too english?
Told you many times James the problem is not in the "Name". That is the tactics of the Greek government.
As I said previously if Bakoyani REALLY WANTED to find solution for the "name" problem she and her government WOULD NOT HAVE DECIDED TO PUT VETO TWO(2) YEARS BEFORE THE NATO SUMMIT.
It's about the GENOCIDE, and the HOMES od many millions of MAcedonians. The whole world can see this only Greeks like yourself can not.
Sad
Sad is the fact that you are brainwashed by your government.
I wish your people well and one day when they realise that they have gone through all this hassle for nothing, then maybe they will learn how to exist peacefully with each other.
And re the name change ... well ... you are FYROM until a mutual agreement is reached with your neighbour.
I am MACEDONIAN from MACEDONIA and always will be regardless of what few Greeks want (but will never get).
James, the name issue will be sorted out when a democratic government runs Greece. Under this government there is no will for that.
This Greek government would not even recognize the minorities that exist as well as the very well known GENOCIDE.
Soon things will change....
Its nice to know you know where you are from. But which Macedonia?
As for the other comment you made, it is typical FYROMite attitude - avoide the issue at hand, and in this case, the issue is the Name Issue.
Obviously by continually avoiding the subject, one has to wonder what FYROM [and yourself] have to hide.
Guilt maybe?
And this ends this discussion :)
you may end this discussion but you can not stop the truth from coming out.
Do you seriosly expect that we are going to forget the Genocide & that we will forget our macedonians in agean macedonia for the sake of the "name" issue?
An issue Greece invented to steer away from the PROBLEM.
Don't kid yourself.
You know what I find truly amazing?
My article is entitled "Macedonia- What's In A Name?".
And you digress on non-related issues.
Note, any further posts will now be deleted and removed. You have had your opportunity to comment on the article, but now are digressing on totally unrelated matters.
Unrelated comments to the article are deleted.
I think my patience on your digression from the article's content has warn thin.
Sort out the name issue - it is the only thing holding FYROM back from membership to NATO and the EU.
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