[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 13 (Thursday, February 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
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]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                               MACEDONIA

 Mr. DeCONCINI. Mr. President, yesterday the United States 
finally took the step of recognizing the independent statehood of 
Macedonia, and announced its intention of establishing full diplomatic 
relations with that country, formerly a Yugoslav Republic. As Chairman 
of the Helsinki Commission, I have long advocated recognition. From the 
beginning, it deserved recognition. It did not seek the break-up of 
Yugoslavia, nor did it participate or encourage the use of force to 
keep it together. It met the criteria for recognition originally 
formulated by the European Community. It remains a crucial player in 
preventing the spread of war in the Balkans and in fostering a return 
of peace, stability and cooperation to this troubled region in the 
future.
  Recognition is not an end, but a beginning. Greece needs to recognize 
its neighbor to the north as well, and be willing to resume a genuine 
dialog in which its concerns can, in fact, be addressed. Macedonia 
must, in turn, stand ready to participate in such a dialog, and I note 
the Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov stated yesterday that his 
country is prepared to resume immediately the talks held under the 
auspices of the United Nations.
  The international community should also continue the process of 
integrating Macedonia into European and world affairs, including by 
granting that country full membership in the CSCE as soon as possible. 
Macedonia must, in turn, remain committed to respecting the human 
rights of all its citizens, including those belonging to ethnic 
minorities, and to building democratic institutions, encouraging social 
tolerance and implementing economic reforms, all in accordance with the 
provisions of the Helsinki Final Act and other CSCE documents.
  While we remain a long way from a peaceful, prosperous southeast 
Europe, Mr. President, I hope that yesterday's recognition of Macedonia 
by the United States is one small step toward that goal, and that our 
country, with its tremendous capabilities, will become more actively 
involved in the region. Again, let me welcome this development, and 
express my hope for a strong and mutually beneficial relationship 
between Macedonia and the United States of America.

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