United Macedonian Diaspora

What we're up against - and how we're fighting back

Help us speak truth to power

 

Zdravo!   

 

When world leaders gather this week in New York City for the UN General Assembly, UMD will once again be at the forefront meeting foreign leaders and attending various events advocating in support of Macedonia's name, identity, language, and heritage. 

 

UMD strongly believes Macedonia must withdraw from the ludicrous United Nations (UN) talks involving the "name dispute," that was instigated by Greece to block Macedonia's progress thus jeopardizing its stability. 

 

Let me remind you what is at stake. 

 

Next month marks the 100th Anniversary since the start of the first Balkan War, when Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia waged war on the Ottoman Empire to "liberate" Macedonia.  However, their whole goal was not to "liberate" as they sold it to the Western Powers, but to tear apart the Macedonian nation and lands.  Our people were soon divided and ethnic cleansing and assimilation flourished.  Their whole goal - to fully eradicate the Macedonian national consciousness and identity. 

 

What do you think has changed a century later in 2012? 

 

We succeeded in establishing our own nation-state, the Republic of Macedonia.  However, every day we are seeing attacks upon Macedonia's territorial integrity from within and outside. 

 

For example, there are still factors within Macedonia who want to create a "Greater Albania."  The Macedonian flag and anthem are not flown or played in the majority of Western Macedonia, because the Albanians claim this land as their own territory.  Just this month, the academic school year in Tetovo and other cities/towns began with the playing of the Albanian anthem, saluting the Albanian flag with no regard for Macedonian national symbols or the country they live in. 

 

Please note the below map of a "Greater Albania" posted last week on Facebook depicting half of Macedonia part of this "Greater Albania" idea...

 

GreaterAlbania
A picture posted on Facebook on September 17, 2012 by an Albanian American Emin Eddie Egriu who ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress for Buffalo, New York. On the right side of the photo he writes "Just had a successful meeting with a legal attorney concerning the 1913- (Treaty of London) about the illegal division of the Albanian territories. We have acquired a legal team to challenge the division of our lands. This map that you see below is the land that belongs to us...."

 

In 2008, then Minister of Culture and now Prime Minister of Greece Antonio Samaras delivered a speech in Greek Parliament stating that Greeks should not worry about solving the "name dispute" since Macedonia would eventually be divided between a "Greater Albania" and a "Greater Bulgaria." 

 

Don't be fooled by the current Greek economic crisis, the Greek government will stop at nothing to ensure they have the funds to wage their anti-Macedonian battle. 

 

Ever since Bulgaria joined the European Union, they have stepped up their anti-Macedonian activities and their Foreign Minister is threatening to block Macedonia's EU membership over the movie The Third Half, which speaks the truth about Bulgaria's role in exterminating 98% of the Macedonian Jewish population during World War II. 

 

If not Greece, then it's Bulgaria, and if not either, then it is some domestic Albanian territorial demands.  Sadly, all three are chipping away bit by bit unless we fight back.

 

How do we fight back?

 

By having a strong voice for Macedonians worldwide and countering lies with truth, exposing hypocrisy and protecting our interests. 

 

Starting today, a few UMD representatives and I will be in NYC pounding the pavement.  At every occasion, meeting, event, we will be making sure Macedonians are heard loud and clear - that we deserve the right to be called Macedonians and our homeland, Macedonia. 

 

The entire world leadership will be in NYC for the UN General Assembly.  Such a gathering happens only once a year, and what better place and time to make our case.  But we can't do it alone.  We need your help and commitment! 

 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, or whatever you can afford to contribute.  Canadians, please visit http://www.canadahelps.org and type in "United Macedonian Diaspora."

 

Only with your support will we make a difference for Macedonia!  United, We Can and United, We Will Succeed!

 

Sincerely,

 

Metodija A. Koloski

President