The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), a leading organization committed to representing the views and interests of the Macedonian diaspora across the world, has condemned unlawful amendments to the Macedonian constitution released by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.
The proposed draft changes would formalize the tenets of the Prespa Agreement and embed the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA) in the preamble of the Macedonian Constitution, despite OFA’s full implementation in 2004.
Metodija A. Koloski, President of the United Macedonian Diaspora, said:
“UMD considers this as an attempt towards a federated binational state, at a time of already intensified political discord and polarization.
“To be entirely clear – these proposals are beyond mere politics. Mr Zaev is bulldozing through constitutional changes without due process or real consultation of the electorate. I have no other word for this than unlawful.
“Any provision that would limit Macedonia’s rights to its history and sovereignty and arrogation of any of these rights to an international body must and should be rejected.
“Opposing the Prespa Agreement is not about opposing peace. Any bystander can see that changing the country’s name cannot be the source of lasting security.
“The Franco-German reconciliation after WWII is a powerful example of how two countries can overcome differences through constructive dialogue and strategic cooperation.
“We would favor a method and path toward reconciliation that does not necessarily imply a redefinition of statehood or interference in the sovereignty of either country. “
The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is a leading international non-governmental organization promoting the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities worldwide. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with a membership spanning six continents, UMD addresses the interests and needs of Macedonian people and communities throughout the world outside of the Republic of Macedonia.