From: c85perwe@IDA.LiU.SE (Per Westling)
Newsgroups: alt.news.macedonia
Subject: Re: Rob West + Steve Anderson
Date: 26 Jan 93 12:48:22 GMT
	<ANDERSON.93Jan24141733@sapir.cog.jhu.edu>
	<Jan24.220404.28881@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU>
	<1k1hkdINNaa1@darkstar.UCSC.EDU>
Reply-To: c85perwe@und.ida.liu.se
Organization: CIS Dept, University of Linkoping, Sweden

In article <1k1hkdINNaa1@darkstar.UCSC.EDU> aphrael@cats.ucsc.edu (Robert D West) writes:

> The following was sent to me by Leo Irakliotis and his reposted
> here at his request in response to a query from Stephen
> Anderson:

> Regarding the Greek initiative to guarantee the borders of FYRM,
> you might of interest the following reference:

> - Kevin Hope and Judy Dempsey: Balkan Pledge for Macedonia. Greek
> Seeks To Allay Int'l Concerns About Its Itentions; Financial Times,
> Nov 13, 1992.

> Regarding the FYRM new Constitution here're what Greece consinders
> unacceptable:

>  From the "Introduction" to the Constitution:
> > "The Republic of Macedonia [R of M from now on] is established as the
> >  state of the macedonian people [nation], granting complete political
> >  equality and permanent residency to the macedonian people, the
> >  albanians, turks, vlachs, gypsies and other nationalities that live
> >  in the R of M."

> [Comment: Note the omission of the Serbs, Bulgarians and Greeks, and the
> inclusion of Turks in the minorities. The exclusion of Serbs is
> especially troubling. Either Skopians do not think they are different
> than Serbs, or they are preparing for war by not recognizing them as
> a minority.]

Serbs are 2%.  I don't find that part troublesome as it is impossible
to write something including all if you have to do it by enumerating
them all.  So normally one write "other nationalities" or something similar.

> >  Article 3:
> > "The territory of the R of M is indivisible and unaltered. The existing
> >  borders of the R of M are inviolable. The borders of the R of M can
> >  change only according to the Constitution."

> > Article 74:
> > "The assembly decides for the change of the borders of the R of M with
> >  a 2/3 majority of the total number of representatives. The decision to
> >  change the borders of the R of m is adopted with a referendum if it is
> >  voted for by the majority of the voters."

> [Comment: These two articles together show the expansionist nature of the
> Skopjian constitution. If current borders are inviolable, then they can
> only be expanded! Also, can you imagine people voting to shrink their
> country? Naturally, the articles provide a "Democratic cover" to pursue
> expansionist policies. Neighbors beware!!]

Yes, I agree that those look strange.  It should be something like
that border can only change thru international agreements.

> >  Article 49:
> >  "The R of M cares for the status and rights of macedonian people in
	neighboring countries as well as immigrants from the R of M; helps
	their cultural progress and [develops] ties with them. The R of M
	cares for the cultural and economic rights of its citizens abroad."

> [Comment: This article sets the groundwork for the expansionism of
> articles 3 and 74. Note that the neighboring countries Greece, Bulgaria
> (and perhaps Serbia?) refuse the existence of a "Macedonian" nationality.]

Do Turkey, Iraq and Iran all recognize the existence of the Kurdish
nationality in their constitutions?
I wouldn't be surprised to find similar articles in eg Israel's
constitution regarding Jewish people abroad.

> AND AFTER THE REVISION (FOLLOWING EC's DEMAND):

> Article 3

	The territory of the Republic of Macedonia is indivisible and
> inviolable.
	The existing borders of the Republic of Macedonia are
> inviolable.
	The borders of the Republic of Macedonia can only be changed
> in accordance with the Constitution, and based on the principle of
> voluntariness and generally accepted international norms.
	The Republic of Macedonia has no territorial claims against
> neighbouring states.

So now everyone agree on the existing borders?  Great.

> Article 49

	The Republic cares for the status and rights of those persons
> belonging to the Macedonian people in neighboring countries, as
> well as Macedonian ex-patriates, assists their cultural
> development and promotes links with them.  The Republic shall not
> interfere in the sovereign rights of other states and their
> internal affairs.
	The Republic cares for the cultural, economic, and social
> rights of the citizens of the Republic abroad.

Does the constitution defines what is meant by "Macedonian people"?

> --------

> Greece still objects to the Intro and Article 49 which remained
> unchanged --- thus not complying with EC's resolution.

> Best regards,
> Leo Irakliotis

Given the changes I don't feel that the constitution is as
expansionistic as some claim.  Therefore I support the recognition of
FYRM.

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Per Westling              |
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