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The United Macedonian Diaspora would like to extend its sincere thanks to the National Federation of Croatian Americans for its recent letter to Congress supporting the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia. Though motivated, our organization can only succeed in its goals through solidarity with unbiased third parties, capable of distinguishing the gross injustices carried out in the name of national chauvinism. We applaud their courage and integrity and offer our heartfelt gratitude. -------------------------------------------------- March 23, 2007 The Honorable Tom Lantos, Chairman
House Committee on Foreign Affairs
2413 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Chairman, On behalf of the National Federation of Croatian Americans (NFCA), I want to again express our appreciation for your leadership in the successful passage of H. R. 987, the NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 2007, on March 6, 2007. This Resolution, in reference to The Adriatic Charter (A3), properly refers to the Republic of Macedonia by its correct name. I am writing today in support of the use of the proper name of our A3 partner. The Senate companion bill, S. 494, also initially referred to the Republic of Macedonia with its correct name, but was later amended by S. Amdt. 462 to change the name to the “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (FYROM). We believe that the proper name of the Republic of Macedonia was resolved some time ago. The use of the through-back reference “FYROM” is derogatory and is an insult to the Macedonian people who have chosen their name through their right of self-determination and affirmed it in their constitution. The United States foreign policy has officially recognized Macedonia by its constitutional name since November 4, 2004. In addition, over 100 countries around the world formally recognize Macedonia by their constitutional name of the “Republic of Macedonia”. The Republic of Macedonia has been a strong ally of the United States in the war on terror and currently has their troops fighting along side of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U. S. wants and needs the continued support of Macedonia in our Middle East activities. The use of FYROM could undermine this growing relationship and would negatively impact the morale of Macedonian troops serving with us. The NFCA strongly supports our Adriatic Charter partner, the Republic of Macedonia, and we would appreciate your on-going leadership efforts to ensure that the House of Representatives version prevails as this legislation moves forward. I do not think that any of us Americans would like being referred to as the “Former Colonies of the United Kingdom”. If the NFCA can be of any assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me directly, or the NFCA Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Joseph Foley at 301-294-0937. Sincerely, Edward A. Andrus, President -------------------------------------------------- The United Macedonian Diaspora works closely together with the National Federation of Croatian Americans to ensure that the Adriatic Charter countries, Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia, are invited to join NATO in 2008. |
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