[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 13 (Thursday, February 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   PRESIDENT CLINTON'S DISAPPOINTING DECISION TO RECOGNIZE SKOPJE AS 
                               MACEDONIA

                                 ______


                        HON. CHARLES E. SCHUMER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 1994

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. Speaker, President Clinton recognized the former 
southern Yugoslav Republic of Skopje as Macedonia yesterday. This 
disappointing action poses a serious setback for the vital United 
States-Greek relationship that has thrived since the days of the Truman 
doctrine.
  Recognizing Skopje as Macedonia disregards the seriousness of the 
historical claims of national identity and sovereignty of the Greek 
people. This is not merely a semantic issue. Potential substantive 
ramifications are being ignored. Recognition of the name Macedonia 
itself implies territorial claims against Greece.
  It is in the United States interest to contain and stabilize the 
conflict in the Balkan region, not exacerbate them. If the warfare in 
the former Yugoslavia spreads to Skopje, the threat to Greek territory 
becomes real. After all, Skopje's flag still bears the star of Vergina, 
a Greek symbol. Its constitution refers to traditions of the 
historically larger Macedonia of 1903.
  Greece and the United States have developed close ties, as members of 
NATO and the European Community. I ask the President to work to 
strengthen these ties by reconsidering his decision to recognize ``The 
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia'' and to engage with Greece in a 
constructive solution to the regional conflict.

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