UN Envoy Matthew Nimetz told Macedonian Human Rights Movement International: “Off the record – If I were Macedonian, I would not negotiate my name”.
Further, when MHRMI President, Bill Nicholov, asked Nimetz what he thinks the outcome would be if Macedonia withdraws from the name negotiations, Nimetz said “Nothing. I don’t believe that there would be any consequences.” The sentiment was reiterated, exactly, by the US State Department when Nicholov asked the same question. Moreover, the State Department said that they believe that there is no solution to the name dispute and that ending the negotiations would be logical.
MHRMI reiterates its demand that all Macedonian political parties and politicians denounce the name negotiations and put an immediate end to them. As has been painfully evident by Prime Minister Zaev’s recent statements in Bulgaria, he is willing to sell out Macedonia’s age-old name, ethnic origin and identity all to appease the European Union, NATO and the United States. VMRO, you had the chance to end the so-called “name dispute” while in government but chose not to. Denounce the name negotiations immediately. Prime Minister Zaev, you cannot negotiate what isn’t yours. Act in Macedonia’s best interest for once and end the negotiations.
As MHRMI’s Our Name Is Macedonia campaign says “Who Gave You the Right to Negotiate My Name?” Demand respect for Macedonia. Now.
###
Macedonian Human Rights Movement International (MHRMI) has been active on human and national rights issues for Macedonians and other oppressed peoples since 1986. For more information: 1-416-850-7125, info@mhrmi.org, www.mhrmi.org, www.twitter.com/mhrmi, www.facebook.com/mhrmi, www.mhrmi.org/OurNameIsMacedonia.
Bill Nicholov
Macedonian Human Rights Movement International
416-850-7125
email us here