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Leadership Feature: George Atanasoski
PLUS MUCH MORE, INCLUDING: • Comprehensive Coverage of UMD President Koloski’s Official Sally McNamara: Tours of Australia and Europe It Is Past Time for A Conversation • Countdown to UMD Global Macedonia to Join with Carlos Flores Conference 2010 - Toronto, NATO Juberias Canada, June 3-6
United Macedonian Diaspora Publication, Volume VI, Spring Issue - 2010 ANNUAL 6MA8CEDtONhIAN OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT
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Registration only accepted with advance payment. 288 Golfer limit!!! First come first served. Cheque, VISA, AMEX or Mastercard accepted. All proceeds to Canadian Macedonian Place Foundation UMD Voice InUMD this issue... Voice 6 Remembering the Holocaust in Macedonia Building a memorial center to Macedonia’s Jews 7 The Importance of the U.S. Census Where are you Macedonians? ANNUAL 8 UMD Advances European Operations A whirlwind tour of France, Belgium, Macedonia, Albania, and Italy UMD Voice 10 A Conversation with Carlos Flores Juberias 1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 6th Floor Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law Washington, D.C. 20004 MACEDONIAN OPEN 8 Phone: (202) 756-2244 68th 12 Macedonia’s Ancient Distinct Identity Fax: (202) 756-7323 GOLF TOURNAMENT Josephus Flavius, the greatest Hebrew historian [email protected] [email protected] 13 “Macedonian Michelangelo” Gala http://www.umdiaspora.org Premiere of “Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the Heart”
14 Board Member Profile: Denis Manevski Australia Office: EARLY REGISTRATION DRAW! PO Box 2153 Register and pay by June 9th, 2010 for a chance to win an i-pod* 32G 14 South Florida’s “Meet the Macedonians” Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia A great success for the community! Phone: 0438 385 466 Early registration cost is $200 and $100 for juniors. [email protected] After June 9th, 2010 registration cost is $210 and $110 for juniors. 15 U.S.-Macedonian Art Studio Collaboration *Approximately a $329 value. 12 A Grand Opening in Miami Canada Office: 3555 St. Clair Avenue East, 16 Trposki Recognized Toronto, ON M1K 1L6, Canada A Long Career of Community Leadership Registration, Practice Range & Bar-B-Que Lunch – 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Phone: 1-800-UMD-9583 16 German Views on the Balkans, Post WWI [email protected] Shot Gun Start – 12:30 p.m. Sharp VMRO Revolutionaries of the Inter-War Period Editor Cocktails, Dinner, Auction, Raffle & Awards – 6:00 p.m. 18 An Interview With George Atanasoski Mark Branov Business leader, family man, patriot [email protected] $200† INCREDIBLE GOLF & DINNER PACKAGE INCLUDES... 20 Greece’s Minorities Are Still Waiting GREEN FEE, POWER CART, BUCKET OF RANGE BALLS, GIFT KIT, 15 Years Later, and where is progress? Line Up Editor A COMMEMORATIVE SOUVENIR, PLUS A CHARITABLE DONATION RECEIPT FOR $80 16 Boris Patarov 21 UMD President’s Oceania Speaking Tour [email protected] MACEDONIAN BAR-B-QUE LUNCH & TRADITIONAL DINNER A major success in Australia and New Zealand Contributors † Donche Boshkovski, Zoran Coseski $200 fee applies only to those who register before June 9th, 2010. Registration cost after June 9th, 2010 is $210 and $110 for juniors. 24 UMD Australia: Luke Simpkins Goran Dimovski, Aleksandar Donski Member of the Australian Parliament Irena Gapkovska, Mitko Jovanov Dana Klein, Ana Kulevanova 24 Sashko Kurciski, Sally McNamara A Very Memorable Day in Vienna Jason Miko, Vera Najdoska Representation at the annual tourism fair in Austria Zlatko Nikolovski, Trajkio Papuckoski Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 Goran Stojanov 25 Time for Macedonia to Join NATO Cardinal Golf Club - Davis Drive, East of HWY 400 Expert Analysis from Sally McNamara Layout and Design Register on-line www.macedonianopen.com 26 The Macedonians of Sweden: Nick Saveski/Delo Logic Arts 21 An Important Key to Macedonia’s European Future or call CMP at 416-755-9231 Any opinions or views 29 The Politics of “Antiquisation” expressed in articles or other The battle between the influence of past and present pieces appearing in UMD Voice are those of the author alone Registration only accepted with advance payment. 31 Macedonia’s Name in the Spotlight and are not necessarily those 288 Golfer limit!!! First come first served. “A Name Is a Name” screening around the world of UMD; the appearance of Cheque, VISA, AMEX or Mastercard accepted. any such opinions or views in All proceeds to Canadian Macedonian Place Foundation 32 UMD Inaugurates Los Angeles Operations UMD Voice is not and should A special reception in honor of Simon Trpčeski not be considered to be an 34 UN, CoE Denounce Greek Abuses endorsement by or approval 26 Greece’s hard line stance stalls progress of the same by UMD. Spring 2010 UMD Voice Letter fromUMD the President Voice
Dear Reader:
Welcome to the 6th issue of UMD Voice! I cannot believe we’ve gotten to this point – can you? The last issue was downloaded close to 19,000 times in the first month! And not only that, readers like you continually download not only the last issue but past issued as well. In addition, for the first Founded in 2004, United time, we printed 1,000 full-color copies of UMD Voice. Our Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) goal is to increase this number to 1,500. Because it is free is the leading international and not a subscription-based magazine, UMD is limited in n o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l resources. However, that is not stopping us! organization addressing the interests and needs Gathering and writing articles, editing, laying out a magazine, designing are not easy tasks! o f M a c e d o n i a n s a n d Again our UMD Voice team has done a fantastic job in producing a magazine that you will Macedonian communities enjoy and share with your family and friends. The majority of the team are volunteers, throughout the world. using their spare time to give you the 6th issue of UMD Voice. UMD is so grateful for their hard work! H e a d q u a r t e r e d i n Washington, D.C., UMD Are you coming to the 2nd Annual UMD Global Conference (UMD GC2010)? The UMD has an office in Melbourne, GC2010 Planning Committee has been very busy getting ready to welcome you to Toronto Australia and Toronto, on June 3-6, 2010. Over 1,000 Macedonians and friends of Macedonia from close to 25 Canada and representatives countries are expected to converge at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel! Full details, in Paris, London, Brussels, information about the program and speakers can be viewed at www.UMDGlobalConference. Vienna, Kiev, St. Petersburg, org, however, here are some highlights: and Stuttgart. • Discover Macedonia and It’s Amazing Tourism Potentials UMD is a 501 (c) (3) charitable • Learn How and Why to Do Business in Macedonia organization. • Watch a Screening of A Name is A Name and chat 1-on-1 with the Director and Producer Board/Officers • Hear Experts Discuss the Role of UN in Macedonia and Human Rights in Southeast Metodija A. Koloski Europe President • Enjoy aLIVE – A Macedonian Cultural Celebration Featuring Macedonians Artists like Synthesis and 16-year-old violinist Ema Nikolovska Aleksandar Mitreski • Help Preserve the Macedonian Identity and Language in Today’s Modern Global Vice President/Chairman of the Board Community
Michael A. Sarafin The 2nd Annual UMD Global Conference is the place to be on June 3-6, 2010! Don’t Miss Secretary this Opportunity – Register Today by visiting www.UMDGlobalConference.org!
Denis Manevski In the last 5 months, I have had the privilege of visiting Macedonian communities in Australia, Treasurer Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States – it has definitely been a busy time for UMD! In speaking to so many Macedonians of all different backgrounds, especially our Ordan Andreevski youth, I sensed a strong yearning to help Macedonia become a more prosperous and secure Director of Australian Operations nation in Southeast Europe. UMD is developing more and more ways for Macedonians throughout the world to help Macedonia, whether that be in advocacy, economic development, Jim Daikos cultural awareness or charitable activities. Join UMD Today and Help Macedonia Every Director of Canadian Operations Day! Boban Jovanovski Enjoy the 6th issue of UMD Voice and we look forward to hearing your comments and ideas Director of U.S. Operations for the 7th issue! Stojan Nikolov UMD Voice Development Director Sincerely yours,
Aleksandra Trpkovska Ivona Grimberg Metodija A. Koloski Spring 2010 UMD Voice insufficient to deal with the root Editorial problem of endemic corruption, UMD UMDVoice Voicesince Brussels is demanding an immediate deficit reduction of almost €5 billion. In response, Greece Eats, the World Pays the Bill Papandreou has proposed an By Mark Branov increase in sales tax and new duties on fuel, alcohol, tobacco and luxury goods, along with a freeze on “Greece should know by now how to deal with a debt pensions and deep cuts to public service salaries. Domestically, crisis that threatens to end in sovereign default. It has had two these ideas have been fiercely unpopular, resulting in general centuries of experience. It defaulted in 1826 in a distress episode strikes and rioting. The unrest has also fuelled an increase in - measured from debt crisis to final settlement with creditors - that ethnic xenophobia and racist incidents, with bombings from lasted 17 years. It defaulted in 1843, only one year later, in an radical left-wing groups, one of which killed a 15-year old boy episode that lasted another 17 years. It defaulted in 1860 in an in Athens. On May 5th, three innocent people were killed, episode that lasted four years. It defaulted once again in 1932, this including a pregnant woman, when violent protestors set fire to time in its most protracted experience as a deadbeat country. This a bank with Molotov cocktails. episode, lasting 33 years, ended in 1965. Europe can’t say it wasn’t The political damage to Greece’s reputation seems warned.” particularly intense in Germany, with polls showing 70% – Neil Reynolds, Globe and Mail, March 24, 2010 opposition to a bailout. Most Germans are furious that Greece knowingly borrowed four times the limit, leading two German MPs to joke that Greece should sell off a few of its islands, or In the context of a globalized economy, the debt even the Acropolis. In response, Greek Deputy Prime Minister nightmare now facing Greek Prime Minister George Theodoros Pangalos complained about how, in WWII, the Papandreou has played out on the international stage like never German Army stole Greek gold, “and never paid it back,” a before, and the entire world is taking notice. Rattling currency comment that only angered the Germans further. The Berlin- and bond markets, the crisis has also managed to create a new based newspaper Bild suggested Greeks “wake up earlier”, and political rift between Greece and the rest of Europe, especially added: “No one here has to pay thousands of euros in bribes Germany. The long-term consequences are hard to predict, but to get a hospital bed. We don’t give pensions to generals’ optimism is in short supply. daughters who can’t find a husband ... Taxi drivers give receipts We now know that, since before Greece’s entry into and farmers don’t get billions of euros in EU subsidies for the Eurozone in 2001, successive conservative and socialist non-existent olive trees.” Ridiculously, about half of Greek Greek governments have colluded in massive fraud against workers claim less than €12,000 in income, and therefore the EU. The Greek Finance Ministry – with help from shady pay no income tax whatsoever. The anticorruption group consultants at the disgraced U.S. firm Goldman Sachs – used Transparency International estimated that Greeks paid €750 an arcane technique to hide their massive debt in the derivative million in bribes in 2008, often to tax auditors. Even the usually markets. While recently claiming a deficit of only 3.7% of GDP, diplomatic German Chancellor Angela Merkel wondered aloud only slightly beyond EU regulations, Greece’s real budget to reporters about why German workers must work until 67, deficit is now being estimated at more than 12.7%. Its sovereign but Greek workers can retire at 61. debt is in excess of €216 billion, leaving it with a debt-to-GDP With such a miserable economic outlook, it is no ratio of 123% - an entirely unsustainable figure. wonder that Greek politicians have spent such an enormous Market speculation that Greece would default on amount of effort and fortune on waging petty and demeaning bond payments in January caused the Euro to sink dramatically propaganda warfare against neighbors Turkey, Albania and against the U.S. dollar. By late March, the politicians in Brussels especially Macedonia. Every inch of Greek newspaper column began hastily endorsing a bailout plan, though economists used to discuss “F.Y.R.O.M.” is one less inch to devote to scoffed at the initial offer, calling it a band-aid solution at best. Greece’s economic meltdown. Every minute of TV news The details of the crisis are still unfolding, but by early explaining how the Macedonians “threaten” Greece is one less May there was a tentative agreement for a €110 billion bailout minute devoted to the real threat, which is from within. package. With the IMF providing a large portion of the money, The entire drama puts Greece’s farcical 19-year it shows that Europe is unable to handle the crisis on its own. dispute with Macedonia over its constitutional name into And, despite the bailout talks, some are seriously questioning stark relief, by illustrating the EU’s bias and hypocrisy. Greece whether Greece should be allowed to remain in the Eurozone at breaks every rule in the book and enjoys preferential treatment, all. Indeed, a return to the drachma may be the best way to ease whereas Macedonia meets or exceeds every EU requirement for the pain, especially if the EU proves unwilling to eventually accession, and is denied membership indefinitely. The Greeks increase the bailout into the €180b - €200b range. Either way, must be wondering how long they can get away with obstructing the crisis has raised fundamental questions about a European European expansion in the Balkans. The Macedonians must be Central Bank managing monetary policy, but no corresponding struggling to justify their costly courtship of an organization European body to manage fiscal policy of member states. that does not respect its own rules. And, the Germans must be Meanwhile, Papandreou’s planned austerity measures thinking: with friends like Greece, who needs enemies? seem to please no one. Economists see them as woefully Spring 2010 UMD Voice Never Again: Remembering the Holocaust in Macedonia By Ana Kulevanova
On March 11th 1943, at five Photo courtesy of: HFJM o’clock, before dawn, the collecting of the Jews from Macedonia began. 7,200 people were collected and forced into the Tobacco Monopoly transit camp, where they waited for their future, not knowing that there was, in fact, no future. In three turns, they were taken, and immediately exterminated upon arrival at Treblinka. Today, the Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia exists to tell their story. It also aims to promote Jewish life, culture, tradition, and music. According to the Law on Denationalization enacted in 2000, the properties of Jews, victims of the holocaust without legal heirs, are to be transferred to the Holocaust Fund of the Jews from Macedonia. The Fund exists as a unique legal solution in Europe for the protection of property rights of those deported Jews who have no living Architectural plan for Memorial Holocaust Center in Skopje heirs. The Macedonian Government and the Jewish Community share the Board, and the Friendship. The Memorial Center is founded (Jerusalem), Edward Serotta (Vienna), Dr. premises are located in the Hana Building, with the goal of presenting, educating and Walter Schwimmer (Vienna) and Dr. Juergen which used to be a department store of researching multiethnic societies, and freeing Wickert (Brussels). The Board had their first the Jewish family Aroesti. The family was them from the danger of intolerance and anti- meeting in Skopje, in October 2009. It was an forcefully deported to the fascist camps and Semitism. extremely constructive meeting where ideas did not survive the pogrom, so they have no The Memorial Center is currently and suggestions were shared and meticulously living heirs. being built on a very specific piece of land. reviewed. Working together, their expertise Ms Ljiljana Mizrahi, the president The location of it is on the grounds of the will be essential to telling the story of our of the Board Committee of the Fund, says Old Jewish Quarter, on the left bank of the parents, siblings, relatives, neighbors and that Macedonian Jews “… are proud of the river Vardar. It is an extremely important fellow citizens. manner by which Macedonia, through the location; the toponyms such as David Street We honestly hope that this article Law on Denationalization, solved this issue. and Amarova Street are integral to the story. will interest the Macedonian Diaspora and The community lost 98% of its members in In that way, our Memorial will stand on the will enhance the relationships that have Treblinka, a uniquely tragic precedent.” place where 98% of the Jewish population in been established previously. Furthermore, By cherishing the memories of Macedonia disappeared. The memory of our we believe that it will help locating Jews of the Jews from Macedonia killed in the people is not dead; the Memorial Center will Macedonian origin and contacting them. Holocaust, and presenting the Jewish bear witness to this great tragedy. Building a strong, powerful and friendly history and tradition in Macedonia and other The Fund is facing challenges relationship will lead us to our ultimate goal parts of South Eastern Europe, the HFJM with locating, identifying and acquiring – supporting each other, retelling the past, is confident that the centuries old cordial documents and artifacts that could be ensuring that our history is never forgotten, relations between Jews and Macedonians relevant for the museum and is calling on Jews and preventing it from happening ever will continue to develop successfully, and of Macedonian origin whose families left the again. benefit both Israel and Macedonia. There is country to contact them and provide them both national and local governmental support with personal stories or documents that could in Macedonia to preserve their memories, be used in the museum. An International ------and to enhance the relationships between Advisory Board has been founded, whose goal Contact Ana at the Holocaust Fund of the the ethnic groups. is to work out the most appropriate solution Jews from Macedonia The essential task of the Fund is to for the collection of museum artifacts. Samoilova 2, Skopje, Macedonia build a memorial, the Memorial Holocaust The Board members are some of the most Tel/Fax: +389 2 3122 697 Center of the Jews from Macedonia. The eminent people regarding this issue: Rabbi Email: [email protected] idea for such a memorial arises from the Andrew Baker, Chairman, J.D. Bindenagel vision of the great scientist and humanist (Chicago), Heather Conley (Washington), Ivan Dejanov, former president of the Dr. Radu Ioanid (Washington), Stephan first Macedonian-Israeli Association of Kramer (Berlin), Dr. Abraham Milgram Spring 2010 UMD Voice The Importance of the U.S. Census
By Trajko Papuckoski The 2000 U.S. building of roads, schools, and hospitals the beginning of the March 2010, when
Photo courtesy of: T. Papuckoski Photo courtesy of: T. Census reported by federal and local governments. Census forms were mailed out, the that only 38,051 Many corporations use Census data to coalition members sent over 85,000 M a c e d o n i a n s make investment decisions. In order to emails to Macedonians worldwide to live in the USA. protect the privacy of individuals, Title spread the importance of declaring their Does this sound 13 of the U.S. code has placed strict identity on the forms. Even outside of realistic to you? privacy controls on the Census Bureau. the United States, Macedonians have How many The Census cannot share information pitched in to help the coalition. Anthony Americans with with the police, immigration, or any Laskovski of Australia used his creative M a c e d o n i a n other authority. The records are only audio-visual skills to create promotional ancestry simply made public after 72 years, which help and instructional videos that can be overlooked the census or didn’t bother genealogists and academics in their viewed on UMD’s YouTube page. Tom to return the form? research. Hristovski of MOP Society of Columbus, The truth is that we don’t know, Ohio recognized the importance of the but we do know is that the Census Bureau Census by inviting guest speakers from has simplified the 2010 Census form to Macedonians have a history of being the Census Bureau to talk to parishioners only 10 questions. This should help undercounted and distribute information in English and increase participation, but unfortunately Since migrant workers known as Macedonian. Vasil Babamov also brought for Macedonian-Americans and other “pechalbari” began leaving Macedonia in the Census to the attention of MAFA ethnic groups, it leaves out any questions the late 1800s, Macedonians have taken members by posting instructions on the regarding ancestry and second languages part in the U.S. Census. Until 1913, they MAFA website and mass emailing. spoken at home. However, other ethnic traveled with Ottoman Turkish passports. Knowing that many Macedonians groups in the United States are using After the Treaty of Bucharest divided in the Diaspora read and watch “Some other race” under Question Macedonia between Greece, the Kingdom Macedonian media over the internet, 9 “What is your race?” to fill in their of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later to Vesna Palmer of the Macedonian Mission ethnicity. renamed Yugoslavia), and Bulgaria, for Humanity, based in Colorado, used My hope is that 2010 will be the many Macedonians were recorded by her connections at Bitola’s Tera television year that Macedonian-Americans stand the country that issued their passport, to promote the Coalition’s activities. up together to be counted in the Census. not by their ethnicity. Outside the coalition, many other On December 14th of 2009, various However, a growing number of Macedonians have spread the word about Macedonian groups throughout the patriotic Macedonians in the early 1900s the census. One group in particular, the country formed a coalition to make our began to write Macedonia as their place Macedonian Outreach Society of Sts Peter fellow Macedonian-Americans aware of of birth and their mother tongue. Many and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church, the Census and increase our participation of these “pechalbari” whose family and Crown Point, Indiana, has created an to be accurately counted. Members of the friends were being forcibly assimilated and example of a completed census form coalition are the Macedonian American denied their right to self-determination and provided free Macedonian language Cultural Organization of New England, stood up and proudly wrote Macedonian guides to its Parishioners. Each Sunday the Macedonian American Friendship on their census. Today, you can find after service, church members can find Association, the Macedonian Arts these old census records online at various information about the census. To reach Council, the Macedonian Mission for genealogical sites. younger Macedonian they also created Humanity, the Macedonian Orthodox a Facebook page which received a large Philanthropic Society of Columbus, Ohio, number of questions that kept them and the United Macedonian Diaspora. Stand up and be counted in 2010! busy. Vlade Naumovski, who hosts a Under the leadership of retired Macedonian radio program in the New U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir York City/New Jersey region, has also What is the census and why is it Atseff, the coalition members have made made his listeners aware of the importance important? significant strides in building awareness of the U.S. Census. Since 1790, when Thomas amongst Macedonian-Americans. Will more than 38,051 Jefferson oversaw the first United States For the first time in the U.S. Macedonian-Americans stand up in 2010? Census that asked a mere 6 questions, Census’ history, Macedonian is one of If the passion that the coalition members the Census and America have changed the instructional languages. Danijela is any indication, I have no doubt! dramatically over time. The Census Wilson translated a language guide in is used to determine the number of Macedonian to help non-English speakers representatives in Congress as well as the properly fill out the Census form. At
Spring 2010 UMD Voice France, Belgium, Macedonia, Albania, and Italy – UMD Advances European Operations
By Stojan Nikolov Photos Courtesy of: UMD the President of Prespa, Edmond Temelko, as well as the Macedonia Gjorge Deputy Mayor Vasil Sterjovski among other Ivanov, as well as leaders of the community. Mayor Temelko Minister of Education and Deputy Mayor Sterjovski briefed Koloski Nikola Todorov, MP on the developments of the community in Radmila Sekerinska, Mala Prespa, in particular the preservation MP Tito Petkovski, of the Macedonian identity and language, as Viktor Mizo of the well as efforts for economic development in Agency for Foreign Pustec and the surrounding villages. Direct Investment, Rome was the final stop on and staff at the Foreign Koloski’s itinerary. There, he attended the Affairs Ministry, celebrations at the Vatican marking the 15th Sector for European Anniversary of Italian-Macedonian relations, UMD Paris Representative Claude Zoran Spasevski, Integration, and the at which opera baritone Blagoj Nacoski held MEP Dr. Charles Tannock, and Meto Koloski Agency of Emigration. a concert. On the sidelines, Koloski met with He also met with U.S. Macedonian Minister of Culture Elizabeta UMD President Metodija A. Ambassador Philip Reeker, EU Ambassador Kancevska-Milevska, and discussed ways Koloski went on an official trip to Europe in Erwan Fouere, and U.S. Embassy personnel. UMD can help Macedonia promote its rich December 2009. He embarked on December Koloski also reached out to NGOs and culture abroad. 5, and his first stop was Paris. Together with institutions, such as the American Chamber UMD has plans to grow its European UMD’s Representative for France, Claude of Commerce, Macedonian Center for Operations and is actively seeking volunteers Zoran Spasevski, Koloski first met with International Cooperation, EuroBalkan, and representatives in European capitals. Macedonia’s newly appointed Ambassador and the Institute of National History. Please contact Claude Zoran Spasevski in to France, Ambassador Agron Budxaku. On December 17-18, Koloski Paris at [email protected] or Spasevski informed the Ambassador’s participated and spoke at an International Zlatko Nikolovski in Vienna at znikolovski@ of UMD’s goals to open up its European Symposium on the 60th Anniversary of umdiaspora.org for more information. office in Paris and looks forward to working the End of the Greek Civil closing with the Ambassador to strengthen War, hosted by the Institute French-Macedonian relations. Koloski and of National History at the Spasevski also met with members of the most Macedonian Academy of Arts prominent French think-tank IFRI - Institut and Sciences. At the opening Francais des Relations Internationales. press conference, Koloski On the evening of December 7, reiterated UMD’s strong Koloski and Spasevski headed to Brussels support for the restitution of for two days of meetings to advocate for private properties confiscated stronger EU-Macedonian relations, and from ethnic Macedonians for the EU to grant Macedonia a date for by the Greek Government accession negotiations. They met with during the Greek Civil War. members of the European Parliament, MEP On December 18, Koloski Heide Ruhle, Dr. Charles Tannock, Annemie participated in another press Neyts-Uyttebroeck, and the staff of MEP conference for the launch of Adrian Severin. Koloski and Spasevski also the first-ever Macedonian visited NATO where they met with officers Diaspora Address Book, responsible for the Macedonia desk, and published by the Macedonian Macedonia’s Ambassador to NATO Kire Center for International Ilioski. They also met with the office of the Cooperation. EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Koloski also visited where UMD urged EU policymakers to not the Macedonian Community let bilateral disputes such as Greece’s issue in Mala Prespa, which is with Macedonia’s name impede Macedonian in the southeast portion of aspirations to join the EU. present-day Albania, on the Following Brussels, Koloski banks of Lake Prespa. Koloski Meto with sections of the old Berlin Wall headed to Macedonia where he met with met with the Mayor of Mala Spring 2010 Clockwise from top left: Meto Koloski with young Macedonian leaders in Mala Prespa, Albania; Macedonian Flag at Paris Embassy; Claude Zoran Spasevski, Macedonian Ambassador to Paris Agron Budxaku and Meto Koloski; In front of the Pustec Town Hall Building, in Albania; Meto Koloski with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov; Meto Koloski with Macedonian MP Tito Petkovski; Lake Prespa from the Albanian side UMD Voice A Conversation with Carlos Flores Juberias By Mark Branov
As the long, reluctant courtship between the EU, and it is regarded as having fulfilled all Photo courtesy of C. Flores Macedonia and the European Union continues, conditions for NATO membership. Macedonians around the world look on, hoping for some kind of breakthrough. To obtain a MB: Worldwide, 129 nations have recognized European perspective on the issue, UMD Voice Macedonia under its constitutional name, reached out to Carlos Flores Juberias, a professor including 4 of 5 permanent members of the UN of Comparative Constitutional Law at the Security Council. The political battle continues, University of Valencia Law School, and an expert but have the Macedonians already won the de on Macedonian affairs in Spain. facto “culture war” over the name? Professor Flores’ research has been devoted to analysis of political transitions, CFJ: Definitely, yes. Whatever might happen democratic consolidation, and European with the name controversy at the diplomatic integration in post-communist Europe. As such, level, what you call “the culture war over the he had the opportunity to visit Macedonia several name” has already been won by Macedonia. times, and has written a series of academic essays Over the years I have met very few institutions, on the Macedonian case. In 2008, he was named and even fewer people who feel comfortable Honorary Consul of Macedonia in the region of referring to Macedonia by anything but its Valencia, a gesture of thanks for his full support constitutional name. Even among those who to the cause of Macedonian integration in Europe for some reason have found themselves legally and his sympathy towards the Macedonian people obliged to use the acronym “FYROM,” I have in their current political struggle with Greece. been able to perceive they were doing so with In cooperation with the Macedonian a certain sense of embarrassment. And never, Ambassador in Madrid, H. E. Metodija Belevski, ever, have I met any person who, after having Professor Flores has strived to properly portray learned about the origin and the reasons for Macedonia in the Spanish media, so that its role in the stabilization the controversy, and having listened to the arguments of both of the Balkans is given due consideration. He has also promoted parties involved, has not ended up sympathizing with the commercial relations between Spain and Macedonia, in hopes that Macedonian side, and supporting the right of the Macedonian Macedonia’s cultural richness and national identity would become people to choose the name they want to be called by. better known. MB: In 2008 and 2009, Greece vetoed Macedonia’s accession MB: Since independence in 1991, what has been Macedonia’s to the EU and to NATO, despite Macedonia’s fulfillment of all greatest political success story? On the other hand, what has requirements. In response, Macedonia has taken Greece to the been Macedonia’s greatest political failure? International Court of Justice, as Article 11 of the 1995 Interim Accord prohibits Greece from interfering in Macedonia’s CFJ: For Macedonia, to exist is in itself a major success. What I accession to international organizations. How do you see this mean is that not many political analysts believed, back in 1991, process evolving over the coming year? than almost two decades later Macedonia would still be an independent, sovereign and democratic state. Even less of these CFJ: I am confident in a positive response from the International observers thought it would keep its borders safe, while avoiding Court of Justice regarding the claim that Greek interference in most of the bloody conflict in the former Yugoslav states. As Macedonia’s plans to join NATO and start negotiations with a legal scholar, I am quite eager to point out that Macedonia the EU is in clear violation of the 1995 Interim Accord. This was able to pass a rather inclusive constitutional text back in would surely provide Macedonian diplomacy with a powerful 1991, and that Macedonian leaders of all parties and ethnic argument to defend its position, while weakening the thesis that communities proved to be smart enough – and humble enough the name issue should be regarded as relevant enough as to block – to introduce the necessary changes in 2001, in order to make the debate of any other question until it has been satisfactorily it even more consensual and inclusive, and therefore more resolved. However, one should not rule out the possibility of a acceptable for everyone. As for major failures, what may come to less one-sided ruling, in which a decision favorable in principle one’s mind is the failure to complete Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic for Macedonia is matched by some nominal compensation for integration. But I don’t believe this has been due to Macedonia’s Greece, or an intentionally obscure legal reasoning that may lack of preparation or commitment. Rather, it is largely due lead to contradictory interpretations. to external factors, over which little or no influence could be exerted from the Macedonian side. It should be recognized MB: Macedonia’s EU accession talks were effectively vetoed that the country has made an enormous effort, the best proof of during Sweden’s rotating presidency, and the matter was which is the fact that, despite the Greek veto, Macedonia is still deferred until Spain took over. What significance, if any, does a way ahead other Western Balkan countries on its route towards Spanish presidency have over this process? 10 Spring 2010 UMD Voice CFJ: I don’t believe there are grounds for much optimism games, in which every position and every decision of a member regarding the Spanish Presidency of the EU in this, or for that state has consequences and costs. In this context, there are only matter, in any other area. At this point, Spain is in the middle two possible strategies for Macedonia: the easy one consists in of a major economic crisis and suffering from a dramatic rise in unquestioningly giving Greece whatever Greece demands, now unemployment. It has put the socialist government is in a very and in the future, thus becoming a totally subservient state. The delicate situation; meanwhile, other problems – like regional tough one requires fulfilling EU and NATO’s requirements for tensions, confrontation with the church, or public deficit – have administrative modernization, economic liberalization, and also been growing in intensity. Some believed that the Spanish adoption of European law, while at the same time building government would benefit from the international visibility a coalition of supportive member states, which, at any given and the press coverage that the rotating EU Presidency usually moment, could make Greece’s next veto attempt too costly. In brings. However, the perception now is that the leadership my opinion, this tough strategy is right now the only way of crisis in Spain will dramatically reduce its effectiveness in accessing NATO and the EU, in a manner that is compatible Europe. I would expect a discreet Spanish presidency, at the with the preservation of Macedonia’s national dignity. most – or even a failed one. Anyway, we ought to keep an eye on the summit planned for May between the EU and the Western MB: Which European Union member states do you see as Balkans states, and hope for the best. most sympathetic to Macedonia, and which are seen as more sympathetic to Athens? MB: Popular support for Euro-Atlantic integration remains high among Macedonians, despite the status quo. At what point do CFJ: In the EU politics, sympathy and encouraging gestures you think Macedonian patience will begin to run out, and what are always easy to find. But what a country like Macedonia are the possible consequences? needs is support, and commitment, and not everybody is ready to move from good words to sound policies. Regarding my CFJ: Experience drawn from previous enlargement processes own country, I am sad to admit that Spain counts among the shows that most of them start with almost unanimous popular countries that will follow, but not lead, any position adopted by support, since incorporation to the European Union is seen a majority of EU member states regarding the Skopje-Athens as a guarantee of political stability, economic development, political conflict. In fact, the only occasion in the recent years international influence, and security. But whenever the when Spain has stubbornly refused to follow the majority of negotiating process goes at a slower pace than predicted, or EU member states has been the case of Kosovo. Spain is one of when the social and political costs of adjusting to EU demands the few EU countries that have refused to recognize Kosovo’s become more evident, people begin to feel disillusioned or even unilateral declaration of independence, in part because this betrayed by European institutions, and support for integration decision had been taken in violation of international law, in begins to fade. In my opinion, Macedonia is getting to this point part out of fear that this might encourage separatist parties right now, so it is important that the Macedonian institutions in Spain itself. Had Macedonia stuck to its initial position of tell the people with absolute clarity that the process ahead will not recognizing Kosovo, it might have helped build a better be a lengthy and tough one, that there will be difficult decisions understanding with Spain. to take, and that there will be no shortcuts. In candidate countries, popular support for European integration is a must. MB: As you know, Greece does not recognize any ethnic The people should understand that dwindling support would minorities, despite large communities of ethnic Macedonians, only make things more complicated for their negotiators, Albanians, Turks, Roma, and others. The religious rights are helping those who argue that Macedonia is not ready for similarly oppressed, in a country where Greek Orthodox Church Europe yet. clergy are government employees. Minorities in Bulgaria suffer similar problems. What is it going to take for minority rights to MB: In December 2009, the EU’s Lisbon Treaty was approved, be taken seriously in ally EU member states, including ones promising significant changes in how the EU will be run. Will like Greece and Bulgaria? this reduce the ability of individual EU member states to “wag the dog” as it were, and dictate European policy over clearly CFJ: I believe that a generous, and fully guaranteed recognition bilateral issues? of individual freedoms - including religious freedom, freedom of speech, the right to express yourself in your mother tongue, CFJ: It is true that the Lisbon Treaty has introduced substantial freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of the press changes in the EU decision-making process, and that from - should be counted first, rather than this notion of “collective now on many decisions will be taken by qualified majority, rights.” When individual rights are guaranteed, it also provides rather than by unanimity as before. However, it should not be the sufficient margin of liberty for people to engage in collective forgotten that these new formulas only enter into force in 2014, action as well, based on a common ethnic identity, a common or in some cases in 2017. Nor should it be forgotten that for a language or a common set of religious beliefs. EU member candidate state to join the EU, unanimity is still the rule, since states such as Greece and Bulgaria should fully guarantee at the end of the negotiating process, all member states must individual rights to all of their citizens, regardless of their agree on a new member, and all of them maintain the right to ethnic background. refuse it. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that EU policies are always the result of extremely complex power
Spring 2010 11 UMD Voice Macedonia’s Ancient Distinct Identity By Aleksandar Donski
Josephus Flavius, considered the concern of the Macedonian warrior Backid greatest ancient Hebrew historian, was expressed when hearing about the murder Photos courtesy of: Wikipedia born in Jerusalem, in 36 AD, only years of the Hebrew leader Juda Macabeus, and after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His the succession of his brother Yonathan. original name is Josephus Ben Matatias. Here again, Flavius refers to the Seleucids The genealogy of Josephus goes back as “The Macedonians”. It reads: “When to both royal and ecclesiastic Judean Backid learned about this, his fear grew origin. He belonged to the Pharisees and because Yonathan was able to create held a high position in Hebrew society. many troubles for the Macedonian king, Although having friendly connections the same done by Juda, prior to his rule...” with the Romans, he took part in the (Jewish Antiquities, XIII, 1,2). Hebrew uprising against the Roman rule, This data presents important which led to his arrest and imprisonment. facts particularly because in many world The Roman emperor Vespasian freed encyclopedias and other books, it is Josephus, after which, as a sign of improperly written that the Seleucids gratitude, Josephus took on his family were spreading in their own land “Greek name – Flavius. Josephus spent his last language and culture”, that they built years in Rome, writing the history of the “Greek cities”, etc. It is acceptable that Jews. He wrote the “Jewish Antiquities”, within the culture that the Seleucids in 20 volumes, “The Jewish War”, in 7 expanded at that time, elements of many volumes, and “Flavius Josephus Against cultures, including the Greek, were found, Appion”. independent state in the middle of the 2nd but it does not mean that the Seleucids The last one defies the Hellenic century BC. were Greeks. According to Josephus, the historians of his time who wrote in A very important fact; when Hebrews themselves were fully aware that a derogatory manner against the writing about the Jewish uprising against they were under Macedonian, and not Jews. Josephus Flavius also wrote his the Seleucid dynasty, Josephus Flavius Greek rule. He also refers to the Seleucids autobiography. Although a Jew and a writes very clearly that the Jews actually as Macedonians, in his book “Wars of the Pharisee, as a historian he produced fought for their independence against Jews”. Here he writes about the battle of historic data of great importance - the slavery imposed on them by the Simon Macabeus against the Seleucids, related to the deeds of Jesus Christ and Macedonians. When describing the stating: “Simon… liberated the Jews St. John the Baptist. Josephus Flavius death of the Jewish leader Juda Macabeus, from the Macedonian rule, a hundred and has left exceptionally valuable written Flavius writes: “Juda left behind a seventy years after the Seleucids empire records about the life and work of the great reputation and a lasting memory, ended” (“War of the Jews”, 1,2,2). Macedonians living in the Holy Land, fighting for the freedom of his people The establishment of the not only from the period of their absolute and liberating it from the Macedonians”, independent Jewish state by Simon rule over all of Palestine (when Alexander (“Jewish Antiquities”, XII, 11,2). Macabeus had been described by Flavius of Macedonia had conquered it), but also In regards to Juda Macabeus, in the following passage: “Simon won the about the Macedonians remaining to live the leader of the uprising against the majority vote for his high priest position, there in much later times. Macedonian Seleucids, Josephus Flavius and during the first year of his rule he Detailed writings of Josephus writes: “The Jewish people reestablished freed his people from the Macedonian Flavius about the life of the Macedonians its freedom after the Macedonians. rule” (“Jewish Antiquities”, XIII, 6,7,). in ancient Palestine are included in the However, the number of those (Jews), This is another statement of Flavius book “Jesus Christ and the Macedonians” who, because of lack of their basic about the ethnic Macedonian identity (Stip, 2001) After writing with a positive existential needs and because of their of the Seleucids, confirmed only twenty connotation about Alexander’s conquest economic deprivation, and starvation years after the first settlement of the of the Holy Land, Flavius describes events hanging over their heads, fled from their Macedonians in the Holy Land! that took place after Alexander’s death. It is own country and went to Macedonia, Josephus Flavius treated the well known that the Macedonian Seleucid was not small.” (Jewish Antiquities XIII, Macedonians as a distinctly separate dynasty retained control, established by 1,1). Here the term Macedonians again people in contrast to the Greeks. In his Alexander’s general Seleucus. Due to the refers to the Seleucids, who despite of book “Flavius against Appion”, Flavius less successful rule of Antiochus IV, who losing their conquered territory of Judea, mentions the Macedonians as citizens belonged to this Macedonian dynasty, the continued to rule over a vast territory of of the Egyptian city of Alexandria. In its Jews eventually organized a successful Palestine and other areas. part two (6), he writes that “The Greeks uprising that led to the foundation of their Flavius also writes about the and the Macedonians possess the city”,
12 Spring 2010 UMD Voice and further in the same text he blames to the Jews “…in Alexandria, had given and the Greeks (written about this king the Egyptians that because of their racial the same privileges as citizens, as shared in the separate chapter of the book “Jesus hatred and intolerance towards the Jews, by the Macedonians themselves” (“Jewish Christ and the Macedonians”.) the Egyptians turned the Macedonians, Antiquities”, XI,12,1). Josephus Flavius is just one more and the Greeks, against the Jews who Flavius also mentions a speech of the countless ancient historians whose lived in Alexandria. By this statement it by the Judean king Agrippa II (I c. after writings contradict the contemporary is obvious that Flavius makes distinction Christ), where the Macedonians are Greek propaganda that the ancient
Photos Courtesy of: Matilde Branov between the Macedonians and the very clearly referred to as the dominant Macedonians considered themselves Greeks. population of Alexandria, and of other to be Greek. In fact, the writing of In his other works Josephus regions in Egypt. (“War of the Jews”, II, Josephus Flavius not only proves that the Flavius writes that the Macedonian 16,4). In the same speech, Agrippa II tried Ancient Macedonians did not consider population had been the majority among to convince the Jews not to fight against themselves to be Greek, but it also proves the citizens of Alexandria. When writing the Romans for the reason that other that everyone else in the ancient world about the Macedonian ruler Ptolemy people had been under their rule as shared considered the Macedonians and the the I, and his settlement of the Jews in the same issues. Here he also made a clear Greeks as people of two distinct ethnic Alexandria, Flavius states that this ruler, distinction between the Macedonians groups.
Gala Premiere of “Macedonian Michelangelo” Documentary
By Mark Branov
March 13 marked an exclusive massive ceiling and wall murals that grace talent, to marriage with his loving wife world premiere and gala dinner to Macedonian Orthodox churches. Ljubica and the birth of his two daughters. celebrate the new documentary film Created by Bill Yancoff, the It also shows how the entire family’s life “Georgi Danevski: Confessions of the long-time producer of the nationally- was changed dramatically after a visit Heart.” Various dignitaries, including broadcast Macedonian Heritage show from two Macedonians from Canada, Macedonian Consul General Martin in Canada, “Confesions of the Heart” is which resulted in moving to Toronto to Trenevski and UMD Director of Canadian very special because of its personal and adorn Saint Clement of Ohrid Cathedral Operations Jim Daikos, were present at intimate insight into the artist’s life. It in Toronto, and then Saint Dimitrija of the event, which was held in the Great Hall traces Danevski’s life from childhood in Solun, in nearby Markham, Ontario. of Sveti Kliment Ohridski Macedonian his hometown of Vinica, where he played Throughout the film, Bill Yancoff Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto. with his friends at an ancient archeological skillfully depicts the humanity of Georgi This film beautifully portrays site, and frequently visited the beautiful Danevski, from his warm relationship the life and art of Danevski, who some Orthodox church in Berovo, where he was with his daughter Darinka, who works have nicknamed “the Macedonian first fascinated by magnificent Orthodox with him side by side, to a father’s obvious Michelangelo.” An accomplished and icons and frescoes. The film follows pride when attending his daughter Sara’s versatile painter with a special passion for Danevski through his university life in wedding ceremony in Macedonia. horses, Georgi Danevski is perhaps best Ljublijana, Slovenia, where his professors known for his stunning iconography and were quick to recognize his emerging
Mark Branov and Georgi Danevski Spring 2010 13 UMD Voice UMD Board Member Profile: Denis Manevski
By Meto Koloski, UMD President Many people graduated as Cum Laude with a Bachelor $100 million U.S. per year. know the names of Arts in Business Administration Denis Manevski has been of the UMD Board specializing in International Business. instrumental in ensuring UMD’s financial Photos courtesy of: UMD, D. Klein members but He also did an extensive study semester health. He manages the UMD budget how many know program in International Trade and that has grown substantially in the last anything about Business at American University. During 5 years. Manevski also ensures that them? UMD Voice college, Manevski spent a summer as a UMD stays up-to-date on all IRS laws would like to profile financial consultant to the United States and regulations affecting 501 (c)(3) the Board members Agency for International Development charitable organizations. “It’s an honor in this issue and future issues. Our first (USAID) in Skopje, Macedonia. to be a co-founder and a treasurer of an profile is Denis Manevski, one of the Manevski has worked in various organization that is becoming a vital founders of UMD, and Treasurer since financial capacities with the American Red part of the Macedonian community in February 2008. Cross and United Bank in Washington, the last 5 years,” says Manevski. “I know Denis Manevski was born and D.C. Currently, he is a part of Corporate that many Macedonians are proud to raised in Kumanovo, Macedonia. Denis Strategy department at the Advisory be part of UMD and I promise that we came to the United States to attend high Board Company, a best-practice research will continue to serve the Macedonian school and stayed on to attend college and consulting firm, where he manages community and Macedonians around the at Texas Lutheran University where he new business revenue flow of more than world.”
South Florida’s “Meet the Macedonians” a great success By Dana Klein, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Macedonia in the United States For the first time, the Macedonian who later joined the crowd in dancing, community united in Southeast Florida drink, food, and exciting conversation. to celebrate the country’s rich cultural City of Hollywood Commissioner Linda heritage at the “Meet the Macedonians” Sherwood presented a special gift. Off program held earlier this month. The stage, members of the press, consultants to public event was hosted by the St. the U.N. and members of the international Dimitrija Macedonian Orthodox Church community greeted the Ambassador. from Palm Beach Gardens, its Board, and Some notable guests in the Macedonian Honorary Consul in attendance included Vice Consul of Florida, Dana Klein. Monaco Tomas Abreu, Honorary Consul The program took place at of Austria Werner Stemer, Honorary Hollywood’s famous ArtsPark, located Consul of Denmark John Rosenthal, in the center of the downtown area. Former Honorary Consul of Finland Celebrations included Macedonian Cami Green, State Representative Elaine dancing, Macedonian cuisine, a video Schwartz, representative Woody Fisher, presentation of the country, authentic City of Hollywood Commissioners costumes and crafts, and stories of the Richard Blattner, Beam Furr, Patty country by Steve Pliakes. Music was Asseff, Broward County Farm Bureau provided by the ever popular “Balkan President Fred Segal, U.N. Consultant and Band,” who played all the traditional President of Natural Energy Consultants favorites. A special art and iconography and look. Inevitably, the onlookers JC Nadeau, U.N. Economic and Social display provided by Dragan Pacinovski followed the parade into the park, where Council Representative Dr. Linda presented a vibrant visual history. the celebrations continued. Bolitho, President of the American Israeli The event began with a small Ambassador Zoran Jolevski Chamber of Commerce Linda Chase, parade as Macedonians carried the joined the festivities and spoke about Research Analyst of Florida International national flag up and down Hollywood good things to come and the potential University Moises Caballero, among Boulevard. Youths and their parents for a strong future relationship with South others. heard historic stories of Alexander the Florida. A special letter was delivered Great during the city program called from U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings, A special thanks to Lena Gogovska, the Fun Fest. As storefront owners cheered and read half in Macedonian and half in Event Chair. For more information, please them on, curious passersby had to stop English by staff assistant Dan Liftman, contact: 954-632-0059 14 Spring 2010 UMD Voice U.S.-Macedonian Art Studio Collaboration Grand Opening in Miami By Irena Gapkovska, NGO Art Studio Founder and President The Grand Opening of NGO Art Wagner, Associate Director of Exhibitions, Angjelkovski, Nikola Radulovic, and Photo courtesy of: NGO Art Studio Studio Miami was held in on April 9th, a as well as other notables from the world Jordan Kicovski. NGO Art Studio artists, collaboration between the Bakehouse Art of art and culture in Macedonia and the individually or in groups of two or three, Complex of Miami, and NGO Art Studio United States. will visit the Bakehouse Art Complex in Skopje, Macedonia. Many dignitaries The artists of NGO Art Studio for approximately six weeks at a time; were in attendance, including Honorary have come together through expression, young, talented, brave, and open-minded Macedonian Consuls Dana Klein from choosing a variety of different techniques, artists, eager to nourish the vibrant art Florida and Tommy Taneff from Ohio, leading towards one common message. scene in Miami with their experience. His Excellency Gligor Tashkovich, Their artwork is a result of captured Interacting with the public and other Former Macedonian Minister of Foreign moods in different moments that mirror artists is life changing experience for Investment, Robert Starnes, Regional our reality and our existence. Their these Macedonian artists, who bring a Director of the Office of Foreign work reveals a pristine and intimate fresh spirit that bridges the 21st century Missions - U.S. Department of State, response to that subconscious reality, and the ancient world, preserving Arlys Raymond, Executive Director of expressed spontaneously through visual the signature of Macedonia’s ancient Bakehouse Art Complex, and Lauren impressions - a “realism” of some sort, Byzantine heritage. but also independent from NGO Art Studio Miami extends this reality at the same special thanks to the Cultural Information time. The truth can only Center “KIC” Skopje; the United be processed through the Macedonian Diaspora, the Macedonian simplicity and freedom of Arts Council, Prima Center Berlin, the the “first impression,” the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of beginning of an endless St. Cyril & Methodius and Art Hostel journey. Skopje. Additional support comes from For NGO Art Studio, a the Ministries of Culture of Kosovo presence in cosmopolitan and Albania; the International Music Miami represents the next and Art Foundation, the Miami Dade step for their member’s County Department of Cultural Affairs; artistic growth. Its 300 the City of Miami; the Cultural Affairs members are graduates Council; the Miami-Dade Mayor and of respected Fine Arts Board of County Commissioners; Greater Academies in the Balkans Miami, Florida, the Department of State who wish to further their Division of Cultural Affairs; the Florida artistic development in Arts Council; and MiamiArtZine. The America. Artists whose cumulative effect of this broad coalition NGO Art Studio Founder Irena Gapkovska with work has recently been of stakeholders will be to increase public Honorary Consuls Tommy Taneff and Dana Klein exhibited include Ivan engagement with cultural institutions and at the Grand Opening of NGO Art Studio Miami Trajcev, Bisera Krckovska, improve economic development, while at Bakehouse Art Complex. Filip Velkovski, Nikola also enriching cultural diversity. 20th annual Macedonian Ethnic Festival – Buffalo, New York - July 9-11, 2010 Sts. Cyril & Methody Macedonian Church in Buffalo, New York invites you to its 20th annual Macedonian Festival, an international celebration of Macedonian Culture and Heritage. The Festival features traditional Music, Dance, open-pit prepared Food, and sweets to die for…
Traditional bands and dance groups entertain attendees throughout the event, which is held on the Church grounds. Over 3,000 Macedonians and friends of Macedonia from all over the US and Canada are expected to attend the 3 day Festival. We look forward to having you join us, “site ste Dobro Dojdeni”….
Friday, July 9: 4 PM- 1 AM | Saturday, July 10: 1 PM – 12 PM | Sunday, July 11: 1 PM – 11 PM Sts. Cyril & Methody Macedonian American Church | 4785 Lake Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14213 | 716. 823.9292
Spring 2010 15 UMD Voice Trposki Recognized For Long Career of Community Leadership By Mark Branov
On March 21st, 2010, in front Writers Association of Macedonia, the of 500 guests at the Sydney Recital Journalists Association of Macedonia Hall, Ivan Trposki was awarded the and the World Congress of Poets. Senior Citizen of the Year Award for his Along with his activism with the
achievements in Community Service Literary Association ‘Grigor Prlicev’, M. Jovanov family, Photos courtesy of: Trposki and Volunteering. The ceremony Ivan has been a member of many was part of New South Wales Seniors committees including the Board of Week, an event to honour the seniors Education for Macedonian Language of the state of NSW in Australia for the Schools of NSW, the Cultural Days valuable contribution they have made festival and the Ohrid–Struga in their communities. The Premier of Association, where his efforts were NSW Kristina Keneally congratulated Minister Paul Lynch recognised with an award from the the recipients, and Trposki was Presenting Award to Trposki Mayor of Ohrid in 2008. formally presented with his award by Trposki has also received the the Minister for Ageing, Paul Lynch. his own time to support the Macedonian ‘Zlatno Sonce’ (Golden Sun) award for Ivan Trposki is a well-known Community and its causes. achievements in literature and culture, figure in the Macedonian Community He is one of the most recognised the ‘Iselenicka Gramota’ a prestigious in Sydney. Having migrated to Australia Macedonian writers in the Diaspora; award for poetry book of the year, and from Volino, Ohrid region, in 1968, he author of 10 collections of poetry, 4 travel the Australia Day award for Community has for more than 30 years been actively journals and memoirs. He is a committed Achievement in 2010, presented by the involved in many organisations where member of the Macedonian Literary Mayor of Canterbury. he passionately and tirelessly volunteers Association ‘Grigor Prlicev’, as well as the
German Views on the Balkans After World War I By Mitko Jovanov - Translated from Macedonian to English by Zlatko Nikolovski
After World northern Macedonia. For this Macedonian the rivalry between Serbia and Bulgaria War I (1914-1918), organization, the freedom of Macedonia is not the only problem in the Balkans the Balkans remained as a whole was the sacred aim, because following WWI, but it is the biggest a region able to throw the Macedonians fought for this ideal one, which can destabilize the region Europe into war, due together with Bulgaria in WWI, and by initiating another Balkan War, which to the reconfirmed then after continued the fight alone. would have incalculable effects on partition of Macedonia stability in Europe. German diplomats at the Paris peace in the Balkan states often stated that any conference, where “The politicians in Berlin commonalities in ancestry and language new borders in the Balkans and Europe between Balkan peoples were not the were defined. Berlin was particularly were convinced that no basis for unity, but rather were a cause interested in the original VMRO (Internal Bulgarian government of discord and an obstacle to cooperation Macedonian Revolutionary Organization) and peaceful relations. The Germans did as it was one of the biggest forces fighting could take efficient steps to not blame the Macedonians, because it is against the Versailles system in the region, neutralize VMRO, because improper and unjustifiable to build good and had managed to rope Bulgaria into relations amongst the Balkan states based WWI at the side of the central forces. the Macedonians had no on the enslavement of Macedonian people. VMRO remained a loyal ally of the Kaiser respect for the Bulgarian In fact, it was Serbian treatment of the till the end of the war. Macedonians that triggered hostilities for In the numerous analyses made interests.” the Macedonian activities in the Vardar by the foreign affairs office in Berlin region, with VMRO using the Pirin region during the 1920s regarding the Balkans, of Macedonia as a staging ground, which intensification of the “Macedonian The Macedonians are even ready to fight lies within the borders of Bulgaria to this problem” included the following: The against Bulgaria to accomplish the aim day. activities of VMRO were initiated by – the liberation of all of Macedonia. By their fight against Serbian the terror spread by Serb authorities in According to German authorities, authorities in Vardar Macedonia, VMRO 16 Spring 2010 UMD Voice was winning favor in Bulgarian society, to suppress the Macedonian population only one idea: never let the ‘Macedonian so no Bulgarian government was able for about 10 years in order to annihilate question’ be neglected. No possible treaty to take efficient measures against the ‘Macedonism’. To what extent the government between Bulgaria and Yugoslavia can stop organization, despite of their promises in Belgrade is interested in a fair solution us in our pursuit of this aim”. to England and France that they could of the ‘Macedonian problem’ became quite After the end of WWI, the neutralize the Macedonian rebels. Thus, clear after their refusal to accept foreign “Macedonian problem” is the biggest Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia VMRO had a strong influence on the aid following the strong and devastating challenge for Bulgarian foreign policy Bulgarian state’s institutions, making it earthquake Vardar Macedonia was hit by. because it is closely connected to internal almost impossible to sue high-ranking The motive behind the refusal of foreign aid affairs and forces a strong internal members of the organization, especially is the fear of a possible uncovering of the political shift. A further excerpt from since because Bulgarian judges’ lives were terror the Serb regime is committing against the 1926 German report continued: “… threatened. Many Bulgarian judges would the Macedonians”. the Macedonians stand out against (the resign rather than conduct a lawsuit against Germany considered it impossible Bulgarians) … An indicator for this situation the Macedonian activists of VMRO. One to maintain a stable peace between Serbia is the fact that the head of the Bulgarian report prepared for the German Minister and Bulgaria, and therefore in the Balkans, government is Macedonian (a reference to of Foreign Affairs in 1926 detailed how a without a realistic and sustainable solution Andrey Lyapchev, Bulgarian Prime Minister, Bulgarian minister was forced to resign for Macedonia. Whenever there was a 1926-1931). Macedonians hold most of the for fear of his life. chance to harmonize and improve the diplomatic positions, and many important The Serbs were misled when relations between Bulgaria and Serbia, positions within the internal administration thinking that they might be able to VMRO would take military steps which as well. Their political positions are so strong annihilate the Macedonians unilaterally. would undermine it and inhibit the that they can easily oppose every possible German diplomats in political circles in establishment of good relations between solution to the ‘Macedonian question’ that Sofia insisted the solution for Macedonia these countries, as this kind of peace was is against their will”. should be sought within the League of against Macedonian interests. Because of this internal situation Nations. This was seen as objective The politicians in Berlin were of the Bulgarian state, Germany way to find a solution, but it depended convinced that no Bulgarian government considered it impossible to establish on the good will of the government in could take efficient steps to neutralize friendly relations between Bulgaria and Belgrade. According to the German VMRO, because the Macedonians have Serbia, as evidenced by the assassination of diplomatic mission in Belgrade, the no respect for the Bulgarian interests. The Prime Minister Aleksandar Stamboliski. Serbs showed absolutely no interest in the statement of one of the leaders of VMRO According to officials in Berlin, any internationalization of the “Macedonian is an evidence for that: “After the failure Balkan alliance that was against the Question”. In one of the reports of the of each attempt in Geneva to improve interests of the Macedonians would evoke German diplomatic mission there, one the rights of the Macedonians in Vardar dangerous internal political conflicts in can read: “The Serbs consider it enough Macedonia, we, with our activities, follow Bulgaria.
Macedonian komitadjii during WWI era, in Lerin, Aegean Macedonia Spring 2010 17 UMD Voice Diaspora Leadership Feature: George Atanasoski By Aleksandar Mitreski, UMD Vice President, Chairman of the Board
AM: Mr. Atanasoski, thank you have tried could testify. My love for agreeing to do an exclusive for Macedonia, however, drives me interview for UMD Voice. Can you to continue and I will never cease Photos courtesy of: G. Atanasoski tell us about your background, and to try and help my country. why you decided to move to the United States? AM: Macedonia’s economy has had its ups and downs. What potential GA: I was born in 1952, in the do you see there? What industries center of Macedonia, in the village should they focus on developing? of Marul, near Prilep. In 1970, I left What advice would you offer, for America to pursue my career to strengthen the Macedonian as an engineer working for New economy? York University. After five years, together with my brother Josif, GA: Many successful countries in I founded the industrial complex the world rely heavily on Diaspora Microflex Inc., located in Ormond foreign investments. It is my belief Beach, Florida. But, I never left that this is exactly what Macedonia Macedonia completely. My heart needs. Instead of looking for is there and I spend a lot of time in and wooing foreign investors, Macedonia. My son also recently Macedonia should concentrate on moved there so one might say that, attracting the Diaspora to invest thanks to modern transportation, in Macedonia. The Diaspora I truly am a Macedonian and an is emotionally involved with American. Macedonia, and they may see potential for investment where AM: Microflex, Inc. has become others can’t. I am an example a global provider of high quality of this concept. Of course, the flexible metal products, serving Macedonian state must create a the automotive, petrochemical, healthy investment atmosphere by and power generation industries. completing necessary reforms. So Where do you see the future of far, there are still too many horror Microflex? stories of failed Diaspora investors, so we need to change that. Let’s GA: So far we have obtained all not forget that the Diaspora the highest certifications in the already contributes heavily to industry and have as clients major world corporations like: Ford, the Macedonian economy, with close to $2 billion annually in Chrysler, General Motors, General Electric, NASA, Siemens, private money transfers. It is estimated that more than 160,000 ABB, Bechtel, Rolls Royce and many others. We expanded Macedonian families live from these transfers. Macedonia by building a special production facility for the automotive needs to create the conditions for many in the Diaspora to industry, and we strive to become a world leader in the field. return, as well. The Macedonian Alliance has specific plans We are constantly looking for new opportunities, including the for achieving this goal. Finally, the world needs healthy, good European markets, which we can service through Macedonia. tasting foods and Macedonia has the best tasting tomatoes and peppers in the world. I believe that agriculture needs further AM: Whenever someone mentions the importance of the improvement. Diaspora investing in Macedonia, your name comes up. You have been termed as the largest Diaspora-based investor AM: For close to 20 years, you have owned and operated the in Macedonia. What types of business are you involved in international magazine Makedonsko Sonce. And two years ago, Macedonia? you founded a TV station in Macedonia called TV Sonce. What is mission behind these media outlets? GA: It is true that I’m the largest investor from the Diaspora. So far, I have opened several hotels, restaurants, a gas station, GA: Together with several other patriots, I founded a large mill and bakery, a publishing house and a TV station. I Makedonsko Sonce to be a vehicle where the truth about constantly look for more opportunities although I have to say Macedonia is written and spread. We gave space to countless that the investment climate in Macedonia is not the best. There Macedonian historians, writers and journalists to write about are a lot of problems facing potential investors, as many who Macedonia, about our links with Ancient Macedonia, about the 18 Spring 2010 UMD Voice
activities of Macedonians around the world and especially those What would you recommend for the future of these causes? in our neighborhood. Gradually, Makedonsko Sonce became a center for debate on Macedonian matters. In time, I realized GA: Let me say immediately that I’m totally against changing that television is a much more powerful medium that can reach our name. I’m also against negotiations about our name, because a wider audience, so I decided to transform Makedonsko Sonce that sends a wrong message to the world. If you negotiate, then into TV Sonce. The goal remains the same: to spread the word you must be ready to make a compromise. We simply cannot about Macedonia to all corners of the world. At the same time, make a compromise about our name or our identity. We had we are the leader in assisting Macedonian organizations in them for thousands of years and our next generations surely neighboring countries, and we invite others to do the same. need them to remain untarnished as well. The Macedonian Alliance has actively been involved in lobbying around the AM: Your name has become synonymous with protecting world to that effect. Macedonia’s rightful, ancestral and constitutional name, and protection of Macedonian human rights in Southeast Europe. AM: Many people know you as a presidential candidate in the Republic of Macedonia. Why have you become involved in Macedonian politics?
GA: I believe that it is time for a change in Macedonian politics. So far we have seen politicians coming to power in order to get rich. I don’t need to do that since I’m already rich. As a sincere Macedonian patriot with vast business experience, I’m confident I can lead Macedonia toward prosperity and fulfillment of our national goals.
AM: In May 2005, you were honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York. What does this mean for you?
GA: It was a great honor for me, of course, but also for all Macedonians. The medal’s significance is great as it symbolizes the opportunities our people have had in this great country of America, and the great success we have achieved. All Macedonians greatly appreciate American support, but we also have to double and triple our efforts to lobby the government to continue this policy. Spring 2010 19 UMD Voice 15 Years Later, and Greece’s Minorities Are Still Waiting By Boban Jovanovski, UMD Director of U.S. Operations On February 8, 1995, 22 member most basic of human rights to any citizens These are hardly the conditions one would states of the Council of Europe signed the who identify as something other than expect in a member-state of NATO and Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia Framework Convention for the Protection ethnic Greeks. If your heroes are Solon, the European Union such as Greece. of National Minorities. As with most Socrates, and Pericles, then perhaps Why, in the 21st Century, does a international treaties, the framework was Greece appears to be a democracy. But modern democracy resort to methods of not perfect. It was the latest in a series of for millions of other Greek citizens, the 20th Century Interwar Era to ensure precedents aimed at avoiding the conflicts democracy is just a word. For Muslims the “loyalty” of its citizens? Rather than related to the denial of recognition and living in Greece, proper ethnic monikers hinder and hide its ethnic diversity, human rights to ethnic minorities among are verboten. Turks and Pomaks within Greece’s own national interest would the members states of the be much better served Council of Europe, which embracing, encouraging, includes all members of the and recognizing that European Union, as well diversity. As countless as the former communist countries have learned, states of Eastern Europe diversity is something and the former Soviet to be cherished and Union. nurtured. Greece need The Greek only look to its partner government signed this states in the European framework, despite the fact Union to understand that that sizable unrecognized ethnic minorities need not minorities exist in Greece. be feared. Rather, ethnic These minorities include: minorities often serve as ethnic Albanians, ethnic a bridge to with foreign Turks, ethnic Bulgarians societies, furthering (and their Muslim cooperation and, where Pomak cousins), ethnic necessary, aiding in A roma n ia n s -V lac h s , Dialects of the Macedonian Language conflict resolution. and, of most concern to Fifteen years is a short United Macedonian Diaspora, ethnic Greece must resign themselves to being time in terms of international diplomacy, Macedonians. “Slavophone or Turkophone Muslims of but it seems like a lifetime for those Since the original 22 member Greek extraction.” Indigenous ethnic living under state oppression. Greece states signed the framework, another 21 Albanians, also known as Chams, have must swallow its pride, and allow its have acceded to the agreement, and 39 long faced expulsion from ancestral ethnic minorities to live in peace. These of the total have ratified it, binding those properties. Ethnic Macedonians are minorities wish to develop their identity states to nurture and further the rights of denied education in their own language, within the framework of their home state their ethnic minorities. Sadly, Greece is speak their language under fear of reprisal, (Greece), and to contribute constructively a signatory but not a ratifying member of and are not allowed to celebrate their to Greek society. Anything less only the framework. ethnicity, like their minority counterparts further diminishes Greek pretensions Today, Greece is unique among in European regions such as Catalonia, that it is open, democratic society. European countries, when it denies the Brittany, Cornwall, or even Chechnya. Share precious moments with your loved ones in Macedonia Visit the Macedonian Conveniently send online shopping center: gifts with fast and inexpensive local delivery!
20 Spring 2010 UMD Voice UMD President’s Speaking Tour of Australia and New Zealand: A Major Success
Photo courtesy of: UMD By Ordan Andreevski, Director of Australian Operations From February 3rd through people at the Migrant Resource Center Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for March 3rd, 2010, UMD President in Adelaide. Steve Kostoff and Vasko Bushfire Recovery; Darren Cheeseman Metodija A. Koloski visited Australia and Tanevski of the Macedonian Community MP, Member for Corangamite; Luke New Zealand as part of UMD’s ‘United Council of Adelaide and South Australia Simpkins MP, Member for Cowan; Sharon for Macedonia’s Future’ campaign. hosted a dinner in honor of Koloski later Bird MP, Member for Cunningham; He traveled approximately 40,000 that evening, the next day, all three were and Graham Perrett MP representing kilometers in one month; Adelaide, interviewed in The Adelaide Advertiser Moreton, Queensland. All welcomed the Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold newspaper regarding the Rann matter. visit as friends of Macedonia, interested Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Following this, they met with South in strengthening Australian-Macedonian Sydney, Wellington, Wollongong, and Australia’s Attorney General Michael relations. Queanbayen. Months went into planning Atkinson to convey the Australian- On February 8th, a UMD this tour, but by the end, Koloski and the Macedonian community’s disappointment delegation met with the Macedonian UMD Australia team were pleased with over Rann’s comments. Later in the day, Ambassador Pero Stojanovski, Mayor the success and productiveness of the tour. Koloski spoke before a group of young Tim Overall and City Councilor Velice The tour began with a visit in Adelaide just Macedonians about youth activism and Trajanoski of Queanbayen, NSW. Mayor when the issue with the South Australian promoting Macedonia’s culture and Overall and Councilor Trajanoski Premier Mike Rann began to boil. A video heritage to the wider South Australian expressed their gratitude for UMD’s began circulating on YouTube of the South public. interest in developing a sister-city Australian Premier Mike Rann attacking The next stop was Canberra, partnership between Queanbayen and the Macedonian community and claiming where UMD spent three days educating a Macedonian city, which Koloski also that Macedonians are stealing the federal members about issues concerning discussed again later, in a meeting at the “history” of Greeks. Countless calls and Macedonians. Meetings were held with a Macedonian Cultural Centre. letters by outraged Macedonians lead to diverse range of influential policy makers On February 9th, Koloski gave every mainstream newspaper in Australia from the Department of Foreign Affairs and a feature interview with the Canberra reporting on the issue. Shadow Minister Trade and the Foreign Minister’s Office; Times on UMD’s role in building closer for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop urged the The Hon. Brendan O’Connor, Minister of relations with Australia. In the evening, Rudd government to demand an apology Home Affairs; The Hon. Harry Jenkins, Koloski spoke at the Australian Institute by Mr. Rann in The Australian newspaper, Speaker of the House of Representatives of International Affairs on the topic MP Luke Simpkins gave a speech in (who is the highest ranking Australian of Integrating Macedonia in to Global Parliament about Mr. Rann’s slanderous politician to ever visit Macedonia – Institutions and Markets before an comments, and Macedonian Ambassador December 2009); Senator Russell Trood; audience of Australian policymakers, Pero Stojanovski in Canberra conveyed a The Hon. Julie Bishop, Deputy Leader of federal MPs, the diplomatic community formal complaint to the Australian Foreign the Opposition and Shadow Minister for and leaders of the Australian-Macedonian Ministry – all this in just one week! Foreign Affairs; The Hon. Philip Ruddock, community. Macedonia’s Ambassador to On February 6, Koloski spoke former Minister for Immigration and Canberra, Ambassador Pero Stojanovski, before an audience of close to 100 Multicultural Affairs; The Hon. Bill Bill Shorten MP, and Luke Simpkins
Left: UMD Delegation with Mayor of Queanbayen Right: Adelaide community listening to Meto Koloski’s Speech Spring 2010 21 UMD Voice the Mayor Bill Saravinovski and a group of Australian-Macedonian Rockdale Community leaders. During the evening, Victor Bivell of Pollitecon Publications organized a dinner with Sydney community leaders. Koloski traveled to Photos courtesy of: UMD Newcastle on February 16, where he spoke at the St. Mary Macedonian Orthodox Church before an audience of around 70 people. In Melbourne, Koloski spoke before an audience of close to 300 at the famous Preston Makedonija Social Club on February 17. The following day, he held a public lecture at Victoria University. Young Australian-Macedonians with Speaker of On February 19, he held a seminar at Australia’s Parliament MP Harry Jenkins the University of Melbourne, hosted by Associate Professor Mile Terziovski. (The MP greeted the audience. Following in partnership with UMD, the project will Greek Student Association protested the formal program, guests enjoyed a inform Australian and Macedonian public the lecture and urged the University to reception and wine-tasting courtesy of the policy, and is expected to be completed in prevent the event.) On February 20, UMD Macedonian-Australian Peos family, of the coming weeks. held a Gala Banquet at Sheldon Reception, the award-winning Peos Estate Winery, in Next stop was Wollongong, hosted by Lidija and Ivan Neskovski, Manjimup, Western Australia. Sydney, and Newcastle, and meetings bringing together 200 people. Mr. The next morning, it was back in with professionals, businesspeople, Jenkins, Mr. Shorten, and former MP Bob Parliament for the Advancing Australian- artists, writers, long-time community Sercombe attended, as well as the Consul Macedonian Relations Forum, co- activists and activist newcomers – all General Sibinovski. It was great to see Mr. hosted by the Australian-Macedonian looking to help Macedonia. Amazingly, Jenkins leading the Macedonia oro! Parliamentary Friendship Group Co- in Wollongong, 10% of the population Next stop: New Zealand. Chairs Mr. Cheeseman, Mr. Simpkins has some degree of Macedonian heritage, The event was an open forum for the and UMD. UMD presented an overview and the city has a sister-city relationship Macedonian community in Auckland, of the significant progress made in the with Ohrid. On February 11, Koloski organized by Club MakedoNZ, Inc. last six months in the implementation of spoke to the community at St. Dimitrija An academic seminar was delivered at the Roadmap for Advancing Australia- Macedonian Orthodox Church. The Victoria University in Wellington, hosted Macedonia Relations. Mr. Jenkins next day, Koloski traveled to Sydney and by the Antipodean-East European Study and Mr. Ruddock delivered remarks, was joined by prominent Australian- Group. Koloski along with UMD member and Macedonia’s Consul General to Macedonian attorney Chris Balalovski Srecko Cvetanov from Christchurch, met Melbourne, Mr. Savo Sibinoski greeted for meetings with Igor Aleksandrov of with George Troupe, Director of Europe the forum. Representatives of several the Macedonian Orthodox Community Division, New Zealand Ministry of Australian-Macedonian organizations of Sydney and Robert Despotovski, who Foreign Affairs and Trade. and communities were present, including gave Koloski and Balalovski a tour of From New Zealand, Koloski the Australian-Macedonian Business the New South Wales Parliament. That flew to Perth, starting with meetings Association; the Macedonian Community evening, before an audience of close to in the Western Australian Parliament, Welfare Association; the Macedonian 300 people, Koloski spoke at the center organized by Macedonia’s Honorary Community Council of Adelaide and of the Sydney Macedonian community, Consul Coseski. The meetings were South Australia; the Macedonian the Ilinden Cultural Centre Community Council of Victoria; and the in Rockdale. Rockdale is Macedonian Honorary Consul to Perth, like a Little Macedonia, with Mr. Zoran Coseski. Macedonian shops all down Professor Peter Hill from the the main street. Australian National University, author of O n S u n d a y , The Macedonians in Australia, spoke on February 14, UMD hosted linguistic preservation. Professor Danny a Macedonian Students and Ben-Moshe from Victoria University gave a Young Professionals Happy progress report on the Australian Research Hour at the Opera Bar under Council Linkage Project on Comparative the Sydney Opera House, and Diasporas, which involves the Macedonian a group of young Macedonians diaspora in Australia and the Australian mingled on Valentine’s Day. diaspora in Macedonia. Sponsored by the The next day, Koloski went Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs back to Rockdale to meet with 22 Spring 2010 UMD Voice joined by Dame Krcoski of MAC FM radio, which interviewed Koloski the night before, as well as Lidija Neskovski, and Vic and Chris Peos. The delegation met with Minster John Castrilli, MP Tony Krsticevic, MP John Hyde, MP Liz Behjat, and MP John Kobelke – all members of the parliamentary Macedonia Friendship Group. That evening, the UMD delegation visited the Saint Nedela Macedonian Orthodox Church and Ilinden Cultural Center, where Koloski laid a wreath to fallen Macedonian soldiers who fought throughout Macedonian history. Meetings followed with leaders from the Macedonian Community Council of Western Australia, and a community forum, attended MP Alison Xamon. Western Australia is home to one of the oldest Macedonian communities, arriving on Australia’s shores more than Meto Koloski with long-time Sydney Activists 100 years ago. On February 26, Koloski flew to afternoon, Koloski travelled to Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Sydney, and Wellington; Sydney to attend the Australian premiere his last stop, and met with Macedonian • Offering scholarships to Australian- and of the famous documentary “A Name is a community leaders including Dr. Trajce New Zealand-Macedonian students; Name,” attended by 2,000 people! The Cvetkovski and parishioners at St Mary • Providing grants to community next day, Koloski flew to Melbourne for a Macedonian Orthodox Church. organizations promoting Macedonia’s Community Planning Forum organized There is an amazing potential in cultural heritage by the Macedonian Community Council the Australian Macedonian communities, • Opening an office in Canberra with of Victoria. especially among the youth. Koloski was a full-time staff, dedicated towards On February 28, Koloski flew very pleased to meet so many enthusiastic, building a professional, sustainable, to the Gold Coast where he met with the dedicated, energetic and passionate united voice for the Australian- local Macedonian community and the Macedonians. Future UMD projects Macedonian community Management Committee the Macedonian include: Church, lead by Mr. Donco Jazevski. In the • Establishing regional representatives in Educating Australian and New Zealand policymakers on the importance of recognizing Macedonia by her constitutional name will be top priority. This will only be possible through a united effort with other Australian-Macedonian organizations. The speaking tour of Australia and New Zealand enabled the United Macedonian Diaspora to reach out and build solid relations with important stakeholders in both countries, establishing links with the Australian Macedonian community and engaging with state and federal MPs, nurturing relations with the mainstream and ethnic media, and strengthing relations with leading universities, research centers, foreign policy institutes and donors. Koloski did a great job in communicating the role of the United Macedonian Diaspora, always focusing on the need for unity to make a sustainable social, economic and advocacy impact in Australia and New Zealand. Meto visiting a local Macedonian Orthodox church Spring 2010 23 UMD Voice UMD Australia: Luke Simpkins By Zoran Coseski, Macedonian Honorary Consul to Western Australia
Luke Simpkins, the Member of Republic of Macedonia to Australia, His Novackov, also commended Simpkins Photos courtesy of: UMD the Australian Parliament and Deputy Excellency Pero Stojanovski, Chairman for his tireless effort in the development Chairman of the Australian-Macedonian of the Western Australian-Macedonian of parliamentary relations with the Parliamentary Friendship group was Parliamentary friendship group, Mr Macedonian community. recently bestowed the prestigious title of Tony Krsticevic, MP John Kobelke, Macedonian youth were also “Honorary Member of the Macedonian Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Michael active during the evening, organizing Community of Western Australia” for Sutherland, and representatives of various the catering and official welcome for his extraordinary contribution to the Macedonian community and business Simpkins with traditional Macedonian advancement of bilateral relations with associations. foods. the Republic of Macedonia, and the The ceremony was officially improvement of the social well being of opened by the well-known Macedonian the Macedonian community in Western activist in Australia Chris Angelkov, Australia. who presented a brief overview of The reception in honor of the support Simpkins has provided Simpkins’ lifelong contribution to the to the Macedonian Community in strengthening of Australian Macedonian Australia over the years, including the relations was held at the Macedonian formation of the historic first Australian- Community Centre in North Perth. It Macedonian Parliamentary friendship was attended by various special guests, group, The President of the Macedonian including the Ambassador of the community in Western Australia Sam
A Very Memorable Day in Vienna By Zlatko Nikolovski, UMD Regional Representative in Austria In January this year, Macedonia With text in Macedonian, German and the authors to representatives of Sv. was represented at the annual tourism and English, it is indeed a unique and Naum Ohridski Macedonian Orthodox fair in Vienna, Austria, at the stand of wonderful work. It represents a current Church, Dimce Lazovski and Boris an Austrian travel agency successfully image of Macedonia, and all it has to offer Kiselovski. The Macedonian ambassador offering tours through Macedonia. to international visitors. to Austria, Dr. Vesna Borozan, was very UMD representative, Zlatko Nikolovski, “This, actually, is not a travelers impressed and congratulated the authors attended the press conference followed by book, nor a marketing folder intended for their work. She also gave some a book presentation on Saturday (January to stimulate foreign investments … it is interviews for the press, pointing out what 16th). nothing like that. My wife and I, we love Macedonia has to offer to international One of the highlights was Macedonia and travelled the country travelers. “Fotobuch Mazedonien”, by Mr. and Mrs. many times. We wanted to draw a picture In the afternoon a very special Sieckmeyer of neighboring Germany. of the country as-is, to create an image moment occurred for Macedonia, book present i ng when the country took center stage for all the sites worth a presentation before a large audience. visiting, old and new The presenter was an Austrian of Greek things, interesting heritage, who several times, freely, called people and places, the country by its one and only name and all this seen “Macedonia”; a refreshing touch from an through the eyes of open-minded and respectful Greek, who a foreigner, without was brave enough to say this before many prejudice, but with of his fellow Greeks in the audience. A so much love for few of the typical Greek nationalists made the country!”, said their discontent obvious, but most of the Juergen Sieckmeyer Greek attendees listened peacefully. It in an interview for a was a great day for the Macedonians in local TV program. Austria, and a great day for intercultural U M D understanding between the Macedonian introduced the book and Greek communities. 24 Spring 2010 UMD Voice It Is Past Time for Macedonia to Join NATO By Sally McNamara
At the Bucharest Summit in April a former U.S. ambassador to Macedonia. 2008, NATO affirmed that Macedonia And American leadership on this matter would become a fully fledged member is essential.
Photos courtesy of: Heritage Foundation of the alliance once its bilateral name Both U.S. Ambassador to NATO dispute with Greece is resolved. Nearly Ivo Daalder and President Obama have two years later, Greece continues to block also been vocal supporters of NATO Macedonia’s NATO membership and has enlargement. NATO expansion has extended its obstructionism to Skopje’s traditionally enjoyed strong bipartisan ambitions to accede to the European support in the United States, and the Union, despite widespread support in Obama Administration should rally the region and from the broader Euro- congressional support for NATO’s Open Atlantic community. Door Policy, specifically pushing for the The Adriatic-3 countries-- accession of Macedonia in time for the Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia--have 2010 Lisbon Summit at the end of the year. successfully completed their Membership Ambassador Daalder should also use the Action Plans, and as a result, Albania U.S.’s diplomatic channels in Europe, in and Croatia have taken their seats at the concert with his colleagues in Athens, to alliance’s table. It is well past time for increase international pressure on Greece Macedonia to join them. The United to resolve this matter expeditiously. States must work with Macedonia’s allies within NATO to push their accession up Macedonia’s patience is not A Fair Solution the agenda and pressure Greece to abide inexhaustible, and it continues to bear by NATO’s long-standing precedent that the costs of courting NATO without NATO expansion has been a one country does not block another’s enjoying the full benefits of membership. major success story for the alliance and membership on a purely bilateral matter. It will inevitably become costlier has played a crucial role in stabilizing and politically for Skopje to justify the time reforming large parts of Europe. Greece Greek Obstructionism and expense of chasing NATO accession was itself brought into the alliance in as well as its increased commitment to 1952 on the first wave of enlargement Despite the fact that more than NATO missions such as Kosovo, Bosnia to advance Europe’s strategic reach in 120 countries have recognized Macedonia and Herzegovina, and Iraq. Further, southern Europe. Macedonia has chosen by its constitutional name, Greece asserts Macedonia--having recently increased a Euro-Atlantic path for its future and that the Republic of Macedonia gives the its troop commitment to 250--currently met its obligations to qualify for future nation a territorial claim over Greece’s has more troops serving under NATO in membership, liberalizing its economy northern region of the same name. Under Afghanistan than does Greece. and professionalizing its military. It has Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, shown itself to be capable of providing- all decisions on NATO enlargement must The Way Forward not just consuming-security and has be made by unanimous consent, so Greek constitutionally mandated that it has opposition alone is enough to block The U.N.-mediated talks, no territorial aspirations against its Macedonia’s entry to NATO. However, supporting bilateral negotiations, should neighbors. Its membership prospects bilateral disputes have traditionally been continue separately from the issue must finally be advanced before the resolved outside of the alliance (such as of Macedonia’s accession to NATO. window of opportunity closes. Slovenia’s border dispute with Croatia) so Therefore significant diplomatic NATO must send a clear that one member alone does not block the pressure will have to be applied to message that it remains open for business consensus decisions of the others. Athens to overcome their opposition. and that accession is possible for all free, Greece undoubtedly has the Macedonia has a number of powerful democratic nations in Europe. upper hand, unashamedly wielding its advocates within the alliance to push veto power over Macedonia’s accession the issue, including Austrian Minister Sally McNamara is Senior Policy Analyst in despite a 1995 interim accord between for European and International Affairs European Affairs in the Margaret Thatcher the two nations agreeing not to do so. Michael Spindelegger, Slovenian Center for Freedom, a division of the Instead of using its power to advance Prime Minister Borut Pahor, and Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute the stability of the transatlantic alliance, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh for International Studies, at The Heritage Greece is abusing its dominant position Rasmussen. Significantly, the Supreme Foundation. This article was first published to advance its own narrow aims, which Allied Commander Europe’s political on January 29, 2010, and is re-printed here will invariably impact regional security. advisor, Ambassador Lawrence Butler, is with permission.
Spring 2010 25 UMD Voice The Macedonians of Sweden: An Important Key to Macedonia’s European Future By Mark Branov translated to English by Vera Najdoska
To achieve its mission of IC: Today Macedonians are mainly advancing the Macedonian cause, concentrated in the western and UMD has always emphasized the southern parts of Sweden, where importance of unity. This unity can Macedonian societies and clubs Photos courtesy of: Makedonski Sojuz-Sweden only be achieved when we reach out to are functioning with a large number all Macedonian groups wherever they of members. Also some smaller may live, building partnerships and groups are settled in cities of the sharing our work. It was with great eastern regions of the country. pleasure that I could catch up with Two of the oldest communities are Mr. Ivica Celicovic, Secretary of the “Goce Delchev” in Gothenburg and Macedonian Union in Sweden. “Pelister” in Trelleborg, which this year marks its 40th anniversary. MB: Please tell us a little bit about Last year, the same jubilee the history of the Macedonian anniversary was celebrated by the community in Sweden – since when oldest Macedonian Association does it exist, and in what years did in Scandinavia, - the cultural and it grow the most? sports society named “Macedonia” in Malmö. Otherwise, the Macedonian IC: Mass settlement of Macedonian immigrants in these areas are immigrants in Sweden dates back organized within two Macedonian to the sixties of the last century. Orthodox churches: “Sts. Cyril and The need for workers in the Methodius” in Gothenburg, and “St. Swedish industry was expanding Naum of Ohrid” in Malmö, where rapidly at the time. Large groups the headquarters of the European of immigrants from all the former Metropolitan Pimen is situated. republics of Yugoslavia were coming Members of the Macedonian to Swedish cities for “temporary” community in Sweden as well as work abroad. The Macedonian community in these areas Denmark and Norway come from all parts of Macedonia, but continued to increase during the 1970s, although with the majority is from the Bitola and Prespa regions. reduced intensity. Macedonians largely settled in Gothenburg, Malmö and Trelleborg where they found employment in large MB: What are your feelings about the Swedes and their culture? industrial facilities, such as “Volvo” and “SKF”. In recent times, What are the similarities and differences with Macedonian during the time of the wars in former Yugoslavia, there were culture? Macedonian asylum seekers coming to Sweden but not in large numbers. However, in recent years, Swedish universities have IC: Swedish cultural tradition historically has been based on a relatively large number of Macedonian graduate students, Protestant (Lutheran) Reformation and the Enlightenment that especially in Stockholm, where some of them are employed created the fundamentals for economic development. In the and have stayed for a longer period of time. With the coming 1960s, Sweden became one of the richest countries in the world, of the visa liberation, which came into force on January 1st and still today it has one of the highest living standards in the of this year, this trend will probably continue. However, world. But in the collective memory of the Swedes, there are official statistics on the number of Macedonian immigrants still traces left of the hardship of the 1850s when a great number in Sweden do not exist, because the majority of immigrants of the population was unemployed. As a consequence of this have dual citizenship. Therefore, when they receive Swedish poverty, alcoholism spread and there was massive emigration. It citizenship they are automatically recorded in the Swedish is believed that, between 1850 and 1910, more than one million census as Swedish citizens. According to our estimates, the Swedes left their homeland and emigrated “across the ocean” Macedonian community in Sweden consists of approximately to the U.S. Macedonians were also among those people, since 15,000 people of Macedonian origin, and some go back several their history is interwoven with the great emigration waves generations. from the 1850’s to 1910, but unfortunately, emigration from Macedonia is a process that has never stopped. In any case, MB: Where are the largest concentrations of Macedonians in Sweden has been an attractive country for immigrants since the country today, and what parts in Macedonia do they come after the Second World War. Today, about 15 percent of the from? Swedish population is of foreign origin, therefore gradually changing the national character of Sweden and irreversibly 26 Spring 2010 UMD Voice changing the presentation to the Swedes of their own cultural identity. The multicultural community leaves a notable mark in almost all spheres of social life in this Nordic country. Swedes are descendants of the belligerent Vikings, but the country has largely avoided involvement in major wars for some 200 years. The Macedonians, as well as other major immigrant groups, are loyal citizens to their “new country.” They express respect to the Swedish people, because they are aware of the prosperousness of the society in which they live, where they found their new home. Sweden is not only rich with great natural resources, but it is also blessed by the high working morality, ethics and culture of the Swedish people. Macedonians are also aware of the opportunities, and social benefits available in Sweden. For instance, in Sweden special attention is given to the children. All children are guaranteed a place in a public kindergarten. School books are free and for every child there is a child benefit. All Swedish citizens are entitled to generous health insurance and unemployment insurance, as well. sense as equal citizens of the Swedish society, although there is always rooSwedish society, although there is always room for MB: As an ethnic minority, how welcomed and respected do improvement. We are pleased to improve our own status. We you feel in Swedish society? are pleased with the way the Swedish government distributes grants for activities and immigrant organizations. IC: Traditionally, Sweden has been known worldwide for accepting many immigrants from various refugee crisis areas. By MB: How do you see the political ties between Sweden and some estimates, in large urban centers over a hundred different Macedonia? languages are spoken, especially in peripheral urban districts of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Sweden has achieved IC: The Macedonians of Sweden have positive feelings for major successes in terms of integration of foreigners into society, high Swedish politicians in relation to the problems facing but the fact is, in that respect, much remains to be done. Many the Republic of Macedonia internationally. Recently, the immigrants feel discriminated against, especially in the labor head of the Swedish diplomacy Carl Bildt, during the Swedish force. Discrimination is often debated in the media and various EU presidency, put great energy and effort into speeding up studies have been made about that. One of the hundreds of the integration of the Western Balkans, including of course, languages spoken in Sweden is Macedonian. We have our own Macedonia to the EU. We had the opportunity to talk with media and also our native Macedonian language is being taught, the former Swedish Minister for European Affairs Cecilia even though the teaching of our own language is self organized. Malmstrom, who is now the Swedish commissioner on visa The number of Macedonians living in some areas is on a smaller liberalization for Macedonian citizens. She had strong and scale compared to previous decades, and obviously there is a clear impressions that the Swedish leadership is making noticeable trend of stagnation. The process of assimilation efforts to stabilize the situation in the Balkans, and speeding among immigrants and their descendants is something that up economic development throughout the region. We should happens in a natural way, and this is no exception to the also mention that the Swedish media does not have any problem Macedonian Diaspora. In any case, we feel in the broadest concerning our country’s constitutional name. Sweden and Macedonia in general do not have unresolved issues that would burden bilateral contacts. Swedish support is very important for Macedonia, given that Sweden is one of the countries that clearly, most intensely support the process to further EU enlargement with new members. Through its agencies and NGOs, Sweden implements projects to modernize Macedonia and Macedonian society- improving the situation regarding human rights, improving the status of the women in the country, supporting the new initiatives in agriculture, livestock, and the development of infrastructure facilities. Unfortunately, the trade between these two countries is still very small, almost negligible. Several years ago, Sweden opened its first embassy in Skopje, whose function in the coming years will likely be an incentive for boosting Swedish-Macedonian cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest.
MB: Can you tell us about your organization- The Macedonian Union? What are your objectives, activities, and plans?
Spring 2010 27 UMD Voice In the early nineties, unpleasant things happened in the Balkans that had negative consequences on the Diaspora. People started thinking differently. There was some intolerance and fear among certain people, and gradually it began to adversely affect our organization. People that would rarely attend our clubs began to separate and did not allow young individuals to socialize with other certain people. It is in our best interest, of course, not to Photos courtesy of: Makedonski Sojuz-Sweden compare the past with the present, but the past has left traces that cannot be easily forgotten or erased. Right now, more young people look outside our communities and clubs for entertainment, so there should be some reorientation to address this generational clash. What was once of interest to older Macedonian immigrants is no longer the case when it comes to the young people of Macedonian origin. The younger Macedonians are more integrated IC: The Macedonian Union is an organization with a in Scandinavian culture than the elder ones. Our top priority coordinating role at the federal level that unites and articulates is the inclusion of the youth in the association’s work and the interests of Macedonian societies and clubs here in Sweden. activities, so we can give them a greater confidence and sense At the moment, we have 12 societies within our association, of independence in the community, to fully undertake one day with our headquarters and offices located in Gothenburg. Two the planning and the operations of the association. To reverse years ago, the Macedonian Union marked its 30th anniversary. the negative trend, we realized that the first thing we should At the end of March, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of improve is the confidence within our frames, starting with the “Days of Macedonian Poetry in Sweden”, one of the most presidency, and hope for positive results. We have also formed a significant of our regular activities, which, by the way, is the project group that is working on strengthening the cooperation only manifestation of its kind within the Macedonian Diaspora between the association and other societies, along with other in Western Europe. A few years ago, we put together a large Macedonian communities in Europe and Macedonia. Another cultural event “Days of Macedonian Culture in Sweden”, which one of our goals is to get women more involved in activities of took place in several different cities with the participation of our group. On a positive note, the Macedonian government Macedonian top artists and ensembles. The objectives of our has been putting forth an extra effort recently to develop more association are mostly aimed at fostering and promoting the active cooperation with the immigrant organizations. Macedonian language and culture on the territory of Sweden. With that, we want to contribute to various initiatives and projects aimed at developing cooperation between Sweden and Macedonia. We have our own Humanitarian Board, which is very active in supplying humanitarian assistance and hospital medical equipment for hospitals in Macedonia. Recently, a Business Consulting Council was formed whose main function is to support cooperation of business entities in both countries.
MB: How can the Macedonians in Sweden cooperate with you, to support the interests of Macedonia and the Macedonians?
IC: Our organization can exist and function only if it represents the interests of the Macedonian community in these areas. As long as our members see us as such an organization we will give back. 28 Spring 2010 UMD Voice The Politics of “Antiquisation” By Goran Stojanov - Translated From Macedonian to English by Goran Dimovski The word One such shock occurred in have to dig deeper into the past, until the “ a n t i q u i s a t i o n ” the year 1848, with the declaration of time of the Athenian League and Hellenic Photo courtesy of: G. Stojanov (антиквизација) entered Hungarian independence from Austria. civilization. Such a definition was in sharp the Macedonian language In response, the Austrians mobilized contrast with nationalist vision known as over the past few years as non-Hungarian citizens in Hungarian the “Great Idea” (Μεγάλη Ιδέα), according a pejorative term. Current territory, such as the Croats, Serbs, Slovaks, to which all Orthodox Christians in the opposition parties have Romanians and others, which together Balkans were to become part of a new used it to criticize the comprised nearly half the residents. This Orthodox nation aligned with Rome. ruling political party, in lead to the Hungarian National Revolution, But it was Otto that had the power; he reference to the ruling party’s exuberant which returned the land back to the Austro- managed to impose his idea of modern celebration of Macedonia’s ancient Hungarian Empire. “Hellas”, even to impose a language heritage. And yet, an examination of the that was synthetically created out of the facts shows this virtue has been attributed classical Hellenic language, and had very to them undeservedly. The first flag of the So the question is: who little in common with the Greek language independent Republic of Macedonia was spoken at the time. the sun with sixteen rays, a royal symbol first remembered that we Where was Ancient Macedonia? In of the ancient Macedonian dynasty. It - the modern inhabitants the book “Nationalism, Globalization and was passed by a parliament that was then Orthodoxy,” Victor Rudmetof states that, ruled by that political option that now of Macedonia – did not fall in the period from 1794 to 1841, at least criticizes! Under severe pressure, the flag from the sky? 14 leading Greek intellectuals (including was changed to the present-day stylized prominent figures such as Panagiotis version of the military flag of the Ancient Kordikas, Adamantios Korias, Alexandros Macedonian Army. This event left a strong impression Socos, Georgios Kozakis Tripaldos and However, the same sun, with the on all national movements in Europe. It Jakovos Rizos Nerulos) considered a bottom half covered, had been present on became clear that nations become stable public information campaign to clarify the coat of arms of the Socialist Republic of only when ethnicities are recognized. All that the ancient Macedonians were in fact Macedonia since 1945. To this day, fringe national movements began to dig through not part of the Hellenic world, but that elements in Greece desperately try to argue their history, defining their national they were actually the conquerors of the that Josip Broz placed it there, among other identity and finding symbols useful to unite ancient Hellenic city-states, the first of a magic tricks attributed to Yugoslavia’s the majority of citizens. The Balkan states series of conquerors who dominated the Marshall by our southern neighbors… were no exception. For instance, under the Hellenes. Philip’s successful invasion of So the question is: who first influence of Russia, the Serbs based their Greece set the stage for a series of foreign remembered that we - the modern identity on Czar Dushan’s Kingdom, in occupations that lasted for more than inhabitants of Macedonia – did not hopes that they might make it all the way two thousand years. Paparigopulos, one fall from the sky? Who was the first to back to Solun. of the first modern Greek historians, in remember that, like all modern European Greeks, on the other hand, had a his “General History” (1849) wrote: “… nations, we are the product of a long and real identity crisis, which was, and still is, as the Macedonian nation has grown old, complex ethno-genesis. This process fragile as ever. The first problem for Greece within the general world history, on a involved many peoples that inhabited or was language. After liberation in 1832, completely different mission from that of passed through Macedonia, the strategic the leading military powers in the new the Hellenic nation.” So, even according to land bridge between Europe and Asia Greek state were “Albanofonite Klepti”. Greek sources, the Macedonian nation and Minor. And among these peoples, the most Given that the southern Tosk dialect of the Hellenic have always been two separate remarkable and the most controversial Albanian language (called “arvanitika” and significantly different nations. have been the ancient Macedonians of in Greek) was widely used in Athens and So, who first began considering Philip and Alexander. the Peloponnese, Albanian was the logical themselves as descendants of the Ancient choice to make the standardized language Macedonians? When did the first In the eighteenth century, the of the country. However, it was strongly Macedonian national movement take place? French Revolution brought to light a radical resisted by representatives from other parts An article from the Bulgarian Petko Rachev idea: the bearers of state sovereignty were of the country, who preferred to speak in Slaveikov, published on January 18, 1871 not the kings or aristocracy, but the people, Turkish. Finally, King Otto, the Bavarian for a newspaper printed in Constantinople, the citizens of that country. This was the appointed by far-off European powers to gives us abundant information. The article birth of the modern idea of nationhood, lead the newly created state, solved the called “The Macedonian Question” and it spread across Europe like wildfire. dilemma. With the help of his friend was very significant because Slaveikov Strong new national movements emerged Drojzen, who was a classical historian by was actually a fierce opponent of the that shook the great empires of the time vocation, they decided that to unite the Macedonian national movement, which is to their foundations. ethnic populations in Greece, they would obvious from the article. Yet, he could not Spring 2010 29 UMD Voice hide the fact that the intelligentsia the Young Macedonian Literary in Macedonia (teachers, traders and Company and began to publish a artisans), under the cover of fighting newspaper called “Loza”. On the for separate languages in primary third page of the first issue they schools, was in fact fighting for the wrote that Macedonia is their true recognition of an entirely separate homeland, and on the fifth page Photo courtesy of: Wikipedia
Photos courtesy of: Aleks Donski Macedonian nation. Slaveikov they wrote of Philip and Alexander mourns that Bulgarian authorities of Macedon, and the glory of ancient had been trying to keep it quiet for Macedonia. ten years, to hide it under the rug, All these examples are from the but that it was already a reality, earliest period of the Macedonian and the press could not ignore it national revival, before the creation any longer. In the article, Slaveikov of the Internal Macedonian openly accuses the Macedonians of Revolutionary Organization considering themselves descendants of the issued a manifesto that begins like this: (ВМРО). All clearly show that the first ancient Macedonians and gives evidence of “Macedonians, our dear homeland of Macedonian renaissance is seen as the it. Then he blames them for insisting that Macedonia was once one of the most resurrection of ancient Macedonia, and their Macedonian language be considered famous of countries. Macedonians have set these leaders saw themselves as heirs of distinct from Bulgarian, and for calling the the foundations of the art of war, with their the ancient Macedonians. Bulgarians “Tatars.” victorious phalanx and the illumination Of course, none of this suited Four years later, in 1875, Georgi of Aristotle, that civilized humanity, and the official Bulgarian, Serbian and Pulevski published the “Trijazichnikot”: Asia ... Our dear country is calling you: Greek propaganda. To Bulgaria, it was a dictionary of Macedonian, Albanian my faithful children, you the successors of acceptable to go back in history only to and Turkish language, written in Cyrillic Aristotle and Alexander the Great, you in the 7th century, and the creation of the letters, very similar to the modern whose veins flows Macedonian blood, do Bulgarian Empire. For the Serbians, it was Macedonian alphabet. In it, he defines the not leave me to die, help me! Great shame desirable to harken back to the Kindom of notion of nationality with the following would be for you, real Macedonians, if you Czar Dusan, with its capital, Skopje. Greek words: “People are called a nation when remain silent witnesses to my funeral ... Get propaganda, on the other hand, carried out they are the same kind, speak the same rid of the killers in this country who are a radical revision of their attitude toward language and live and socialize with one waving the flag of destruction, and plotting the ancient and modern Macedonians. In another... So we Macedonians are a nation deadly ideas of separating you, my children. 1881, Greece was awarded Thessaly, and and our place is Macedonia.” Not only The people, so united under the flag of for the first time they approached 50 miles that we are Macedonians, but further on, Macedonia, as a single nation, put this of the southern Macedonian border. That Pulevski says that Philip and Alexander glorious banner high and prepare as one lead them to go from depicting the ancient are “our Macedonian kings and that our to write on it: Long live the Macedonian Macedonians as the enemy and destroyer mothers and grandmothers gave them people, Long live Macedonia!” of Athenian democracy, to promoting them birth.” first as “cousins” and then “brothers.” By Three years later, in the autumn the beginning of the 20th Century, they of 1878, the Kresensko Uprising took “We raised the uprising as even tried to use linguistic arguments place, dominating nearly half the territory to submit that the language spoken in of ethnic Macedonia. A series of towns advocates of freedom with Macedonia is essentially Greek, even if and villages were liberated for a period of our blood, that we shed it appeared to be Slavic. Eventually, even nine months before the Turks managed Yugoslavia, which was seen as a liberator to suppress it again. During that time, over Macedonian fields for recognizing the Macedonian nation, a committee of 211 members drafted and forests, and to serve also had an obvious vested interest in a constitution of the first Macedonian representing Macedonians as only a south state, and sought diplomatic relations with freedom, as the Macedonian Slavic people (Yugoslavia = Land of the neighboring countries Serbia, Bulgaria and army of Alexander of South Slavs). Greece. In the preamble of the constitution: Such four-way propaganda “We raised the uprising as advocates of Macedon, with our motto against our own interpretation of history freedom with our blood, that we shed Liberty or Death” apparently brought results. In the last over Macedonian fields and forests, and 70 years, it was a punishable offence to to serve freedom, as the Macedonian army speak openly of Macedon and the ancient of Alexander of Macedon, with our motto In the next ten years, a series Macedonians as our ancestors. But the Liberty or Death” (Слобода или Смрт) of letters and manifestos with similar idea is not new at all; indeed, it was a In 1880, in Gremen Teke, Aegean content followed from different parts of founding principle of those who formed the Macedonia, thirty-two representatives Macedonian society, sent to capitals in Macedonian national movement. Despite called the People’s Assembly of Macedonia, Europe, diplomatic missions, and spread being choked from foreign propaganda on formed an interim government. On throughout the land. In 1892, a group of all sides, it is now slowly re-emerging to March 23, 1881 in Kyustendil, they Macedonian students in Sofia formed light again. 30 Spring 2010 UMD Voice Macedonia’s Name in the Spotlight and Big Screen
By Jason Miko, Producer, A Name Is A Name A Name Is A Name – a film about Since its debut in Toronto, Syracuse, New York, on March 20, at the St. a nation held hostage because of its name Canada, last October at the Macedonian George Macedonian Orthodox Church. – was recently screened in several world Film Festival, the film has traveled to A significant part of the Macedonian
Photos courtesy of: anameisaname.com cities, having now been viewed by over several cities in the U.S. and Australia, community in Syracuse turned out. 4,000 people around the world. for public viewings followed by question The film will continue to be The film is a project of the With and answer sessions. On February 1, the shown around the world before making Macedonia Foundation, a foundation United Macedonian Diaspora organized its way to Macedonia, and the requests created to promote Macedonia by a screening in Washington, D.C. at the keep coming from far and wide – Los encouraging cultural artists around the Jewish Community Center, emceed by Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, world any ethnic background to make UMD President Meto Koloski. The Ft. Lauderdale, Toronto, London, Berlin, a stand with Macedonia. The director audience included members of the State Brussels – and more Australian cities, is Sigurjon Einarsson, an Icelander and Department, Diaspora leaders, staff from including repeats. We are working filmmaker by profession who lives and the U.S. Congress and several diplomatic to accommodate as many of these as works in Norway. I am the producer, an embassies, and Macedonian Ambassador possible, so hopefully, the film will be American from Arizona. The narrator of to the U.S., His Excellency Zoran coming to a city near you. The best way to the film is the talented poet and author Jolevski. stay informed is to register on our website Sir Andrew Motion from the UK who From Washington, D.C., the film (www.anameisaname.com) or join our until May of 2009 was the Poet Laureate moved to Tempe, Arizona on February 4 Facebook group. of the United Kingdom. Morten Harket and Arizona State University, where it was Wherever we have been with the – lead singer of Norwegian rockers a- the highlight of the annual Mary Concoff film, Macedonians and non-Macedonians ha – contributes the title of the film and Endowed Lecture, an annual event that have shared their excitement about the main song – A Name is a Name – from his focuses on events in Macedonia and film, arguing passionately against any second solo album, Letter from Egypt. Southeastern Europe. changes to Macedonia’s name and identity, Other international artists contribute From the United States, the film simply to appease the nationalism of its tracks to the film as well: Icelandic crossed the Pacific to Australia, where it southern neighbor. Others have expressed bands Sigur-Ros, mum and Earth Affair; was wildly and enthusiastically received. their pride, often as only a young person California band Monte Negro; the The State Theatre in downtown Sydney can do. For example, in Adelaide, a 14- legendary Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, was the venue for the February 26 year-old girl spoke up at the first showing, Nash and Young; Macedonia’s own Kiril Australian premiere, where we had our saying: “I want to learn Macedonian now.” and the late, great Tose Proeski. largest turnout to date – almost 2000 in After the second showing, a young boy of The 48-minute road film is the attendance. On March 3, in Adelaide, the 12 stood up and said: “I am so proud to be true story of the director, who came to film was screened twice at a local movie a Macedonian.” To me, that says it all! Macedonia to learn about the country and theatre, and on March 4, the film was In between future screenings and its people. The director takes his viewers screened in Melbourne at the Forum II its release on DVD planned for later this on a road of discovery throughout every Theater, a larger venue to accommodate summer, we need your continued support corner of the country, where he meets Melbourne’s large Macedonian and promotion. Reach out to your friends everyday people who share their true community. After we sold out the first and tell them about the film, but also feelings about their country’s name and screening, we added a second screening. I about the issue of preserving Macedonia’s their ethnic identity. With each person he would like to offer special thanks to With name and identity, as best expressed by meets and each place he visits, he learns Macedonia Foundation Honorary Board the film’s famous baba from Trpejca who more about the issue. Through his eyes, Member Zoran Lozevski for organizing said: “I feel Macedonian, my dear, a true the viewers learn what it means to be the Australia screenings. Macedonian. The Macedonian name will Macedonian. Finally, the film was screened in not be changed! No, it won’t!”
Spring 2010 31 UMD Voice UMD Inaugurates Los Angeles Operations; Awards World-Acclaimed Pianist Trpčeski By Sashko Kurciski Photo courtesy of: trpceski.com On April 18, 2010, the arts and global culture, the United Macedonian from Congresswoman Linda Diaspora inaugurated its Los T. Sanchez, representing Angeles operations with a California’s 39th District. special reception in honor of In addition, he received a pianist Simon Trpčeski, at the California Legislature Assembly Omni Hotel in the heart of Certificate of Recognition, in downtown Los Angeles. With recognition for his outstanding over 250 distinguished guests commitment to promoting in attendance, the evening was Macedonia’s cultural image, a great success, thanks to the from Assemblymember Ted W. generous support of our sponsor Lieu, representing California’s and benefactor Niagara Bottling, 53rd District. LLC, and local UMD members Nasev commented: “The and friends in California. inauguration of UMD Los Guests enjoyed an evening Angeles Operations signifies of networking, and an opportunity to phenomenal musical talent. “I have had UMD’s dedication to reach out to local admire a beautiful exhibition of fine the chance to attend several of Simon’s Macedonian-American communities art by California-based Macedonian- performances, but Saturday’s performance throughout the United States. We are American artists Daniel Peci and Blagojce at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, alongside honored that UMD has bestowed upon Stojanovski, as well as Skopje-based artist the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was truly us the important task of uniting the Rumen Kamilov. exceptional, especially his piano version Macedonian-Americans of California.” Emceed by journalist Sonja of the Macedonian folk song ‘Na Struga Assemblymember Lieu also awarded Magdevski, the evening featured remarks Dujkan Da Imam’,” stated Koloski, “Simon a California Legislature Assembly by His Excellency, the Consul General is Macedonia’s most prominent cultural Certificate of Recognition to UMD, to of the Republic of Macedonia, Jovica Ambassador – a national treasure. We are celebrate the organization’s expansion in Palashevski, who flew in from Chicago, so proud of his accomplishments, and it Los Angeles. newly appointed UMD Los Angeles is a great pleasure to recognize them here UMD Los Angeles Operations Regional Representative, Dimitar Nasev, tonight, in Los Angeles, together with the will be responsible for coordinating UMD Co-Founder Steve Gligorov, St. Macedonian-American community of all of UMD’s activities throughout Mary Macedonian Orthodox Church California.” According to classical music California, along with advocacy on issues Board President Cane Carovski, as well critic Melinda Bargreen of the Seattle of general concern to all Macedonian- as UMD President Metodija A. Koloski, Times, Trpčeski is “the best thing to Americans; promoting and preserving who flew in from Washington, D.C. come out of Macedonia since Alexander Macedonian identity, language and Koloski honored Trpčeski with the Great.” culture; undertaking charitable activities the UMD Outstanding Achievement Trpčeski also received a at home and abroad; and supporting the Award, in recognition of Trpčeski’s Certificate of Special Congressional educational and social advancement of brilliant achievements in the arts and Recognition, for his contributions to Macedonians everywhere.
32 Spring 2010 UMD Voice UN, CoE Repeatedly Denounce Greek Human Rights Abuses
By Donche Boshkovski, LLM During the last interested in whether any measures had minority protection. She called upon
Photo courtesy of: D. Boskovski decade, the sensitivity been taken by the state to protect the the authorities to step back from the surrounding the issue rights of ethnic groups. In its Concluding dispute over the existence of national of national minorities Observations, the HRC expressed serious minorities and focus on protecting the in Greece has become concerns about the unwillingness of right to self-identification. The CoE High a “chronic problem” the government to allow associations Commissioner reminded Greece that that this country is to use names that include the term freedom of ethnic self-identification is a not ready to face yet. “Macedonian”, and noted that individuals major democratic principle, and should It has always been belonging to this minority had a right be considered as enriching Greek society. a difficult issue, under the Covenant to the enjoyment The Commissioner urged the Greek both for the minorities and the Greek of their own culture, traditions, and the authorities to show greater openness, Government. In recent years, Athens use of their own language. Unsatisfied to diversity in their society and to take has been facing strong criticism for the with the explanations provided by the measures that would allow members of treatment of its minority populations. state, HRC called upon Greece to review minority groups to effectively express However, the Greek state took the hard its practice in light of article 27 of the their identities. line position that any recommendation by Covenant. In August 2009, CERD was treaty bodies and human rights monitors The European Commission unsatisfied with the government’s cannot determine the “existence” of against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) explanation of why only the Muslim minority group in Greece, nor impose was especially critical in all its reports minority, as determined with the Lausanne on Greece an obligation to officially on the minority situation in Greece. Treaty, is an officially recognized minority recognize any group as a minority. In its fourth and latest report, the group. CERD urged the state to assess In its last country report presented Committee expressed concern that the occurrence of discrimination based to the UN Committee on Elimination of many of the recommendations contained on national or ethnic origin, and to take Racial Discrimination (CERD), the Greek in ECRI’s previous reports have not targeted measures to eliminate it. The government, recalling the Explanatory been fully implemented, among which Committee also expressed concerns Report to the Framework Convention is the recommendation that the Greek about the obstruction encountered by for Protection of National Minorities authorities ratify the FCNM as soon as the Macedonian ethnic community in (FCNM), rejected the claims of “a small possible. Also, the government seemed exercising freedom of association. It number of persons”, thus relieving to be more prepared to recognize other recommended the government overcome themselves of their obligation to guarantee minority groups, such as Pomaks and such obstacles, as Greece cannot pretend specific minority rights. This position Roma, rather than Macedonians and to be an exception from the historic Balkan was taken by the government specifically Turks, who still encounter significant phenomenon of ethnic mass movements. to defend its arguments for the “non- difficulties when practicing their right Thus, it can no longer ignore the existence existence” of the Macedonian minority, to self-identification. In the spirit of the of minorities in its territory. The denial stressing that the non-recognition of a FCNM, ECRI strongly recommended that of ethnic minorities in Greece does not group as a minority does not deprive such the Greek authorities open a dialogue with correspond to reality. On the contrary, it group from the enjoyment of all civil, these minority representatives, in order to is a tool that the Greek authorities have cultural, political and other rights. find a solution to the tensions, so that co- successfully used over the last century As a counterargument to this existence may be achieved in everyone’s for their own nation-building purposes. position, one has to take into consideration interests. However, the attempts by the The continuous disrespect of the findings the UN Human Rights Committee’s Macedonian minority representatives of various human rights bodies must (HRC) interpretation of article 27 of to establish continuous dialogue with stop. Their recommendations must be the International Covenant on Civil the Greek government have not been approached with utmost responsibility and Political Rights (ICCPR), where successful so far. by the Greek government, which must it is undoubtedly pointed out that the The state of minorities in Greece adopt measures to ensure the effective protection of minorities’ rights cannot provoked both the Council of Europe’s enjoyment of the minority standards by be limited to invoking general equality High Commissioner for Human Rights persons belonging to such communities, before the law and non-discrimination. and the Independent Expert on Minority including the unrecognized Macedonian All existing minorities need to be Issues (IEMI) to undertake country visits minority in Greece. acknowledged by states, and states are in 2008. The IEMI recognized the fact urged to allow the development of the that Greek citizens enjoy all civil, political Donche Boshkovski is an LLM in identity of all minorities. This position and cultural rights enshrined with International Human Rights Law, University was acknowledged in practice by the HRC international instruments, but reminded of Essex, United Kingdom when, reviewing the fifth periodic report the government that full protection submitted by Greece, it was specifically of those rights is not a substitute for Spring 2010 33 UMD Voice
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34 Spring 2010 Name: ______UMD Global c o n f e r e n c e 2010 Address: ______City, State/Prov., Zip: ______Country: ______UMD Global Conference Registration and Individual Event Pricing Company Name:______
☐ Regular - Full Conference $299.00 _____ ☐ Student - Full Conference $199.00 _____ E-mail: ______Both include both programming. Pricing for the full conference registration will increase by $100 after May 14, 2010. Phone: ______☐ Thursday (June 3) $100.00 _____ Have you been to a UMD Global Conference before? ☐ Yes ☐ No Opening plenary, panel discussions, Ambassador’s reception, and movie screening Do you require a vegetarian meal? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Friday (June 4) $150.00 _____ Panel discussions, lunch, Cultural Evening and dancing Additional Donation These registration fees do not reflect the true cost of the Global Conference, as UMD subsidizes Saturday Morning and Afternoon Only (June 5) $75.00 _____ ☐ participants from around the world who could not otherwise join us. With a donation of $379, Saturday panel discussions and workshops you can help to sponsor the attendance of a global Macedonian leader. ☐ Thursday Screening of A Name is A Name (June 3) $20.00 _____ I would like to make an additional donation of: ______☐ Friday Cultural Evening and Dancing (June 4) $50.00 _____ I am unable to attend the conference, please find my donation in the amount of $______enclosed. ☐ Student Evening Pass $50.00 _____ Thursday movie screening and Friday cultural evening $_____ Total Amount ☐ Credit card ☐Check enclosed (Please make checks payable to: UNITED MACEDONIAN DIASPORA) Saturday Evening Gala Event ☐ American Express ☐ Visa ☐ MasterCard ☐ Gold Table Patron - $5,000.00 _____ ☐ Silver Table Patron - $3,500.00 _____ Credit Card #: ______☐ Bronze Table Patron - $1,750.00 _____ ☐ VIP Individual Ticket - $350.00 _____ ☐ Individual Ticket - $175.00 _____ Signature:______Exp:_____ /_____ CSV*:_____ Please check one, and write the number of tickets next to the event price, fill out the payment information on the back and mail this card in the enclosed reply envelope. Name on Card: ______
*3 digits in signature strip on back of card to the right of the (partial) card number. (For Amex, it is 4 non-raised digits on the front.) Register Online: www.UMDGlobalConference.org Registration check-in will be available at the hotel starting June 3.