[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH GREECE AHEAD OF THE NATO SUMMIT AND URGING A 
   MUTUALLY AGREED UPON RESOLUTION TO THE NAME ISSUE REGARDING FYROM

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for a 
resolution of a 15-year impasse on a mutually agreed upon name for the 
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as we near the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of State and Government summit in 
Bucharest, Romania. One of the major issues considered will be the 
expansion of NATO and the possible extension of membership invitations 
to Albania, Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 
(FYROM). Greece is the greatest supporter and promoter for the 
realization of the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of all countries in S.E. 
Europe and has contributed to that end enormous human and financial 
capital.
  Greece has been FYROM's best friend in the Balkan neighborhood by 
donating over $1 billion in aid and bolstering its fledgling market 
economy. While Greece wholehearted, however, cannot agree to the 
accession of FYROM that is wholly contrary to the principles of NATO.
  According to the Membership Action Plan NATO adopted in 1999, 
potential members must first display a willingness ``to settle 
international, ethnic or external territorial disputes by peaceful 
means, commitment to the rule of law and human rights, and democratic 
control of armed forces.'' Clearly, the FYROM has failed to meet even 
this first criterion. The addition of FYROM to NATO would undoubtedly 
enhance the Alliance but only if it displays an adherence to the rule 
of law. FYROM must resolve the name issue in accordance with adherence 
to U.S. policy and a UN-brokered agreement that calls for ending 
negative propaganda against Greece by the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia (FYROM) and settling the name issue.
  Madam Speaker, I hope that NATO and the international community will 
do the right thing by requiring FYROM to work with Greece in reaching a 
mutually agreed upon name resolution that comports with bilateral and 
international agreements. Once that is accomplished we can then and 
only then know that FYROM is serious about engaging in good neighborly 
relations.

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