The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) has issued a stern rebuke to The Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) for scaremongering tactics over the name-change debate in Macedonia.
In an opinion piece written by Janusz Bugajski, a bleak picture is outlined for Macedonia:
“In the worst-case scenario, Macedonia rejects the name change and returns to a frozen status with the door to both NATO and EU entry firmly closing. The moderate Social Democrat government falls, the economy declines, nationalism rises, ethnic tensions increase, and civil disturbances escalate. Instead of becoming a pillar of regional security, Macedonia devolves into a factor of instability in which each of its four neighboring states will be pulled into the fray.”
Metodija A. Koloski, President of the United Macedonian Diaspora, said:
“Macedonians and any student of international politics worth their credentials see this situation for what it is – the Greek government has blocked Macedonia’s cooperative outreach to NATO and the EU because it refuses to change its name.”
“The Prespa Agreement doesn’t stop there, and that’s the crucial element that millions take issue with. Once again, a ‘mere name change’ is being conflated with an agreement that mandates the revision and redaction of Macedonian school textbooks.”
Alastair Stewart, Director of Communications, said:
“I hate to say it, but this is what Macedonians have come to call the ‘head-table-bang’ moment when analysts just completely misunderstand what’s happening in Macedonia today.”
“Comments like this try to portray the Balkans and Macedonia as a volcano of irrationality ready to explode at a moment’s notice. CEPA is mixing contemporary politics, a referendum, centuries of history and entry into the EU and NATO into one big powder keg. It’s an utter fallacy and a glossing over of why Macedonians are outraged at what’s happening.”