Please find below UMD’s response to the recent Al Jazeera Documentary: “Macedonia: Behind the Facade.” You can watch the documentary by clicking HERE.
Dear Madame or Sir:
I write this letter on behalf of the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), a leading international non-governmental organization promoting the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities worldwide.
I am quite troubled by the documentary — “Macedonia: Behind the Facade” – that recently appeared on your network. This piece is seriously flawed in a number of major respects.
First, its portrayal of recent events in Macedonia pins the Macedonian Government against the ethnic-Albanian population in Macedonia — without giving due credit for the nearly decade-long working relationship between the Macedonian VMRO-DPMNE and the Albanian DUI coalition that composes the Macedonian Government.
Second, the documentary’s instigation of inter-ethnic tensions – e.g., through promotion of a “Greater Albania” – is highly irresponsible.
Third, the documentary shamefully attacks the identity of Macedonians — by falsely claiming that their identity is fabricated.
Finally, the documentary paints a picture of Macedonia as an artificial entity with no history or culture of its own, which is a remarkable mistruth. Though Macedonia is in the midst of political challenges, it remains a vibrant country with a rich and ancient heritage.
UMD urges you to report on Macedonia in a balanced and responsible manner going forward.
Sincerely,
Metodija A. Koloski
President
United Macedonian Diaspora