THE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN THE NAME OF MACEDONIA
|
THE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN THE NAME OF MACEDONIA |
|
Recognition of the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia
Statement released by the White House, Office of the Press Secretary, Washington, DC, February 9, 1994 To day, the United States extended formal recognition to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and declared its intent to establish full diplomatic relations. The President conveyed this decision in a letter delivered in Skopje to President Gligorov. This move is in recognition of the (democratic expression of the citizens (of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to establish a sovereign and independent state based on democratic principals. This action will help promote stability in the region. We join nearly every other country of Europe in taking this step.In extending formal recognition, we have taken into account the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's commitment to peaceful cooperative relations and its respect for the territorial integrity of all of is neighbors, and the inviolability of existing boundaries. Establishment of diplomatic relations will take upon receipt of assurances matters for importance to the U.S., including respect for CSCE norms and principles, enforcement of UN-imposed sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro, and a commitment to work constructively with the United Nations to resolve differences with our long-time ally, Greece. We recognize that Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have outstanding differences, which we expect will he resolved through good-faith negotiations. We further expect that our recognizing the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will encourage flexibility in addressing the symbolic and constitutional issues which separate the two parties so that they can overcome the problems that stand in the way of a normal bilateral relationship. We believe that lasting peace and stability in the Balkans depends on states' mutual respect and adherence to CSCE principles. We also take note of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's commitment to democratic principles, to human rights, to the creation of an open, free market economy; and its desire to seek peaceful solutions to problems in the region. The region of Skopje was named "Macedonia" ( first time in history) in 1944 by the communist Dictator Tito of Yugoslavia in an effort to expend Yugoslavia's borders to the Aegean see. Skopje, has no firm ethnic identity, and it's made up, is of several contentious groups with ties to neighboring countries - Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia and Greece. |
|
President Bush LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 26, 1992June 26, 1992 Dear Archbishop lakovos, Thank you for forwarding the letter signed by thousands of Greek Americans expressing the concerns of Greek Americans regarding the recognition of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the settlement of the situation in Cyprus. As you know, I have been in regular contact with Prime Minister Mitsotakis on these issues. The United States has played an important part in the processes to find lasting solutions to these problems in full cooperation with Greece. I am confident that the highest levels of the Greek Government will confirm that the United States has been nothing less than understanding, sympathetic and supportive. I would appreciate your reiterating to the many thousands of Greek Americans who came to Washington and who signed the letter our strong regard in helping to resolve these issues. George Bush
President Bush MESSAGE TO GREEK AMERICANS 26/06/92 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 9, 1992 I am delighted to send greetings to all those who are gathered in New York for the Saint lakovos Dinner in honor of the Name day of His Eminence Archbishop lakovos. This is a special day of celebration for Greek Americans and for members of the Greek Orthodox Church. In my dear friend Archbishop lakovos, the entire Greek-American Community has a wise and stedfust ally and a model of Christian faith. As you join in celebration with his Eminence, it is fitting to recall the links that all Americans share with this community and the vigor that it brings to our Nation and culture... In addition, my contacts with Prime Minister Mitsotakis have cemented a bond between our two countries that cannot be broken. On a matter of grave concern - the breakup of Yugoslavia - Prime Minister Mitsotakis and I have had several discussions. I understand Greek concerns regarding the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and I take them seriously. Accordingly the United States has not recognized the independence of that republic and our policy will not change until this dispute is resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. The United States will not waver in its support for the stability of Greece. On this and other questions, Archbishop Iakovos has been, and remains, a forceful voice for international peace, human rights and Christian charity. We are grateful for such able leadership. Barbara joins me in sending best wishes for an enjoyable evening. George Bush
US Congressmen LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT 05/92 The Honorable George Bush President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, We strongly urge you to maintain the policy of withholding recognition of the remaining Yugoslavian republic until the significant concerns of Greece are alleviated. It is imperative that the U.S. preserve its historic relationship with Greece, a longstanding US ally and reliable strategic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Hasty recognition to the controversial new republic on Greece's northern border will further destabilize this volatile region by causing a political crisis in Greece. American attempts to end the turmoil in the Balkans and restore the peace must remain productive. Moving on the «Macedonia» issue before sufficiently addressing Greece's concerns will be inconsistent with our efforts to this point. Thank you for the opportunity to express our views. George Bush
John Wayne Owans United States Congressman US Senators LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT 05/92 The Honorable George Bush, President The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President, We are writing to express our concern for United States policy in regard to the recognition of the remaining Yugoslav republic which would like to call itself "Macedonia". We urge you to continue to withhold recognition of this republic, until the concerns of our faithful ally Greece are alleviated. It is imperative that the United States preserve its historic relationship with Greece, a longstanding U.S. ally and reliable strategic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Hasty recognition of the new republic on Greece's northern border under the controversial name it is now using will surely cause a political crisis in Greece, further destabilizing this volatile region. American attempts to end the turmoil in the Balkans and restore the peace there must remain productive. Moving to recognize the republic that would like to call itself «Macedonia», before sufficiently addressing Greece's concerns, will be inconsistent with our efforts. Sincerely, Alfonse D' Amato Tom Karkin United States Senator United States Senator
Henry Kissinger THE STRENGTH OF HISTORY Stettinius' views were endorsed 48 years later by Henry Kissinger. The former Secretary of State was asked at the annual meeting of Management Centre Europe held in Paris on June about his views on the Skopje authorities claim to be internationally recognized as the «Republic of Macedonia». Kissinger has this to say: "Look, I believe that Greece is right to object and I agree with Athens. The reason is that I know History which is not the case with most of the others including most of the Government and Administration in Washington. The strength of the Greek case is that of the History which I must say that Athens have not used so far with success".
|
