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WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 2, 2008 - The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) applauds the introduction of House Resolution. 1070 in the United States House of Representatives yesterday (April 1, 2008) by Members of Congress Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, Mark Souder of Indiana, Eliot Engel of New York, Candice Miller of Michigan, and Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota. H. Res. 1070 expresses the House of Representatives’ strong support for Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia to be extended invitations to join NATO at this week’s summit in Bucharest, Romania. Macedonia, the only republic of former Yugoslavia to win independence from Yugoslavia in the 1990s without bloodshed, has been preparing for NATO membership for more than eight years, and now meets all of the criteria for NATO membership. Since its independence in 1992, Macedonia, has undergone a historic transformation into a democratic society with a market-based economy, and has become a regional leader in the areas of ethnic diversity, human rights, free market economic principles, and the promotion of good neighborly relations. In recent years, Macedonia has become a steadfast partner in the War on Terror and the War in Iraq, sending troops to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq and has troops participating in other international missions to Lebanon and Bosnia. Macedonia recently assumed command of NATO’s former host nation support coordination center that provides logistical support for KFOR forces in Kosovo. UMD commends Representatives Pascrell, Souder, Engel, Miller, and Pomeroy for their recognition of Macedonia's strategic geopolitical position in Southeast Europe and the necessity to fortify the strong relationship that Macedonia has formed with NATO by extending an invitation to Macedonia to become a member of the Alliance. Macedonia’s addition to NATO will further contribute to the region’s prosperity, security and lasting stability. “Existing NATO members need countries such as Macedonia to become members of the Alliance because it further promotes its values and makes the world a safer and more stable place,” stated UMD President Metodija A. Koloski. Likewise, Macedonia needs the protection and support that NATO provides to attract foreign direct investment, to continue the process of market transformation, and to promote its democratic principles. --------- Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora is an international nongovernmental and nonpartisan organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world. For additional information, please contact UMD at 202-294-3400 or
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