[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 82 (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              REGARDING AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN THE BALKANS

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                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2013

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the State Department to 
take a more active role in resolving a important dispute between two of 
the United States' valued allies, Greece and the Republic of Macedonia.
  Since the nation commonly called ``Macedonia'' declared its 
independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Greece has objected to its use of 
the name ``Macedonia''. Greece considers this both a usurpation of its 
rich heritage and part of a potential basis for forming a territorial 
claim on the neighboring Greek province of Macedonia. The geographic 
area of the Greek province of Macedonia corresponds with the ancient 
Kingdom of Macedonia, whose capital city Pella, sits well within 
Greece's borders.
  Mister Speaker, this issue is not just about names, but about 
security for Greece and for the entire region. In 2008, the Republic of 
Macedonia applied to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 
Despite meeting all requirements for NATO membership, Greece, as a 
member of NATO, vetoed the entrance of Macedonia until the name issue 
is resolved. Greece worries that by calling itself ``Macedonia,'' its 
northern neighbor risks raising the specter of future territorial 
accusations based on the idea of a ``united Macedonia.''
  The United States has long been a leading partner in the NATO 
Alliance, and as such we should be doing all we can to resolve this 
issue. The Department of State should be making a concerted effort to 
work with both nations to bring a mutually agreed upon resolution. 
Greece has long been an important NATO member and ally of the United 
States, and once this issue is resolved the United States should 
encourage the acceptance of ``Macedonia'' into NATO as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe it is vital to the interests of this nation in 
maintaining stability in the Balkans and adding a new member of the 
NATO Alliance.

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