OUCH! Govt Hires Man Opposed to Macedonia’s Use of Its Name

I just found this article from last January. I don't know if this guy is still "working" for Macedonia. I don't want to question why the Macedonian government has hired this guy, but I hope he had the decency to apololgize to the Macedonian people now that he is eating at the trough of Macedonian patronage.

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Govt Hires Man Opposed to Macedonia’s Use of Its Name

Elena Simonoska

24 January 2006

Walter Schwimer, former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who in March 2004 recommended to the CoE to use “Slavic” instead of “Macedonian”, arrived to Skopje yesterday, but not to apologize, but as an advisor to the Prime Minister.

For an undisclosed fee, Schwimer will advise Prime Minister Buckovski on the EU accession and promote Macedonia to the Austrian business community.

Walther Schwimer

His internal instructions of March 2004, obligating the CoE to use “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and denotation “citizens of FYROM” for the Macedonians, provoked a series of protest notes and letters to the Council of Europe, while the NGO sector started a mass campaign named Don’t You FYROM Me.

”I don’t understand this decision by Buckovski to name Schwimer as his advisor”, said Vladimir Milcin, Director of the FOSIM and organizer of the Don’t You FYROM Me campaign.

Milcin added that, in his view, were it adamant to have an Austrian advisor, having in mind the Austrian presidency of the EU, Johannes Svoboda would have been much better choice. He couldn’t see how Schwimer would promote Macedonian interests.

Hiatus

I have not been posting to this blog for quit a while and yet Macedonia continues to exist as a country without my help. I will try to become active once again in the near future.

Greek Runs for Governor of California

If anyone knows a prominent Macedonian living in California, it would be a good idea to help them forward information on the Greek government's treatment of ethnic Macedonians living in Greece to the campaign of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his fight against his challenger Angelides.

This could help with their "opposition research and embarrass Angelides. Either he has to support the Greek position and lose credibility with the California voters, or support the rights of Macedonians in Greece and thereby undermines the Greek position. Let's not let him get away with "I support negotiations". It is about human rights for Macedonians in Greece an there is nothing to negotiate. Get Reality Macedonian to interview him. The Macedonian cause, allied with the dirty politcs of American electioneering ... a winning combination!

I assume Angelides has supported the Greek lobby's efforts in the past with regard to the name dispute with Macedonia. Lets find out.

This is an ideal time to use whatever small leverage we have to gain national media attention. Possible headlines include:

"Angelides supports cultural genocide of ethnic Macedonians in Greece."

"Angelides wants Macedonians to change the name of their Macedonian language, Macedonian Orthodox Church, Macedonian country!"

"No rights for Macedonians in Greece, no problem for Angelides".

ANGELIDES LEADS SCHWARZENEGGER IN RACE FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR

They live by the sword and they died by the sword.

Former Albanian rebel commanders killed in Kosovo, Macedonia

Macedonia Needs more Foreign Investment

Macedonia Last in SEE in Terms of Foreign Investment

21 Congressmen Adopt the Greek Position!

News from the Greek lobby, Hellenic News. Looks like the Greek lobby is gearing up for a fight. My bet is that a majority of the congressmen have never talked to a Macedonian to hear about our side. On the other hand, it may not do any good since, I assume, they come from districts that have large Greek populations who tend to give political donations. As they say, MONEY TALKS, BULLSHIT WALKS!

Reps. Maloney, Bilirakis, and 21 Members of Congress Send Letters to President Bush

Balkan Soldiers to Iraq

One of the many things that the Macedonian government did, which I disagreed with, but turned out to be right, was to send soldiers to Iraq. It was a crucial element in the recognition of Macedonian's name by the Bush administration. Looks like other countries are playing the same game. Greeks are now kicking themsleves for passing on the Iraq adventure.

New Contingent of Macedonian Soldiers Leaves for Iraq

BiH Soldiers Depart for Iraq Mission

Albania to Boost its Contribution to Iraq Peacekeeping

Philip II of Macedon is Still resting in Peace

For those of you who are interested in these issues, it had been thought that the tomb of Philip II, also known as the father of Alexander the Great, was discovered. It turns out they we wrong.

Not Philip II of Macedon

More Greek Pressure on Textbook Issue

In the US Congress, there is something called a "Greek Issues Caucus", which is a club of politicians who click their heels when the Greek lobby gives an order. They will not discuss the plight of Macedonians in Greece, lack of human rights or religious freedom. These people will support the most extreme positions of the Greek lobby. It looks like they marching orders are coming fast on the issue of Macedonian textbooks. Keep in touch.

Gov't: Time has come for FYROM to offer convincing answers to irredentist maps, texts

Fleeing Albanians in the Summer with Winter Clothing

Don't have time to look into this story. I doubt it is true because it has not been reported in other media. Just part of the anti-Macedonian propaganda campaign. The actual story of the police raid is not bad but the picture of people fleeing is most probably a stock picture from the Kosovo war.

BALKANS: ETHNIC ALBANIANS LEAVING VILLAGES AFTER POLICE RAID