Washington, D.C. – November 7, 2008 – The United Macedonian Diaspora sent the following letter of congratulations to Barack Obama after his election to become the 44th president of the United States.
The full text of the letter from UMD follows:
Dear President-elect Obama:
On behalf of all Macedonian-Americans, the United Macedonian Diaspora extends to you our warmest congratulations on your historic victory. UMD and the Macedonian-American community look forward to working with you and your Administration to improve the strong bond between the United States and Macedonia.
Your inspiring election opens a new chapter in our history at a time when the world is eager for new American leadership. We understand that the choices you will face in putting together your Administration and formulating your agenda will be difficult ones.
Understanding the many formidable issues awaiting you, we would like to briefly touch on the strategic relationship between the United States and an important ally, Macedonia – an essential force for peace and stability in Southeast Europe, a region still suffering from the aftermaths of wars and socio-economic instability.
Macedonia is a small but important nation in Southeast Europe, and perhaps one of our most dedicated allies in the War on Terror. It is an exporter of peace and a model for stability in the turbulent Balkans. Macedonia participates in our missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, has met all of its NATO membership accession criteria, and remains the logistical center for NATO’s mission in Kosovo.
Although small by population and territory, Macedonia and its people have proven capable of being a partner to the United States and NATO. During the NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999, Macedonia welcomed over 360,000 Kosovar refugees. Currently, Macedonia’s government continues to build a stable multi-ethnic democratic nation while pursuing Macedonia’s membership in both NATO and the European Union.
American leadership in Southeast Europe is imperative. Programs such as USAID and SEED are essential in aiding the process of building and nurturing democratic institutions in the region. We anticipate that the United States will continue supporting Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic integration and will continue to recognize Macedonia’s one and only constitutional name, the Republic of Macedonia, during your Presidency.
The United Macedonian Diaspora once again congratulates you on your victory. We look forward to a new era of friendship between the United States and Macedonia. We pledge our full support to advancing this relationship to benefit the United States and Macedonia, and, indeed, peace and security in the world.
Sincerely,
United Macedonian Diaspora
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Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is an international non-governmental organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.
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