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The right to an identity: Republic of Macedonia and Resolutions H.Res. 521 and H.Con.Res. 306
by The Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to the U.S., H.E. Nikola Dimitrov
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2006
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Location: The Rayburn House Office Building, room no. 2247, Washington, D.C.
Overview
The briefing is organized in light of the introduction of Resolutions H.Res.521 and H.Con.Res.306 in the United States House of Representatives regarding an issue of paramount importance for the Republic of Macedonia - its name. For more than 13 years, Republic of Macedonia talks with Greece under the UN auspices in order to resolve the differences over the name. In an unprecedented manner, in 1995 Macedonia made an effort to accommodate Greece by changing its national flag and by reinforcing the no-change of borders provision of the Constitution adding that it "has no territorial claims against neighboring states". In spite of the controversy and the political risk involved, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia accepted the latest proposal to resolve the name differences, put forward by the UN mediator Mr. Nimetz on October 7, 2005, described by him as a basis that "meets the minimum requirements of both sides, and thus should be the basis of an honorable and acceptable solution". Regrettably, it was Greece that immediately rejected this proposal. The continuous challenge of its name since the independence of the Republic of Macedonia in 1991 has indeed become a security issue for the country. This denial has sent the wrong message to a nation of 2 million people focused on consolidating their multiethnic democracy in the heart of the Balkans in turbulent times: that the future of their country is not certain. At the same time it encourages and excuses radicals to work towards its disintegration because "the country is not fully recognized by the international community". In November 2004 the United States joined more than 115 countries in deciding to recognize the country under its constitutional name - the Republic of Macedonia.
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