Macedonia News - Risto Stefov

I must admit I was taken by surprise with the State Senate passing of resolution SR0446 that proclaims the past and present "Greekness of Macedonia" of Northern Greece. If I were not familiar with the seriousness and implications of this resolution I would have found it very humorous.

Why would a 175 year old country need such affirmation? Who is challenging Greece about her relationship with Macedonia that she would have to ask for such an affirmation? If I were not familiar with Greece's human rights record and her treatment of her minorities including the Macedonians living in Greece, I would have found this affirmation very odd.

I have to assume that the good people of Illinois passed resolution SR0446 in good faith and trusting that this resolution would not be used to harm anyone.

Examining Greece's human rights track record however, since her annexation of Macedonia in 1912-1913, I can assure you that no good will come out of your generosity. Unwittingly you have given Greece a license to continue to affirm her discriminatory policies towards the Macedonian people, not only inside Greece but the world over.

Greece is one of the last countries in the world that still adamantly denies the existence of the Macedonian people. She has no shame or hesitation to come to you, a wolf in sheep's clothing, begging for affirmation and claiming the "Greekness of Macedonia" and in the meantime, denying the real Macedonians, living in their ancestral lands, their dignity and human rights.

I beg you to please re-consider your actions at least until you have had a chance to hear from all sides.

For centuries Macedonians have been victims of all sorts, of conflicts, of domination and of oppression.

Please stop the abuse and reverse resolution SR0446, it is within your means.

With best regards,

Risto Stefov -- a concerned Macedonian and former citizen of Greece

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