Macedonian Human Rights Movement International
Press Release
Liberal Party of Canada Panders to Greek Vote, Angers Macedonians

Macedonian Human Rights Movement International - Press Release

Toronto, Canada - Macedonian Human Rights Movement International (MHRMI) is appalled at the Liberal Party's transparent attempt at garnering the Greek vote in light of the Conservative Party's recognition of the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.

In a statement issued by the party, Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Ujjal Dosanjh said: "Mr. Harper's decision to unilaterally bypass the process of negotiation endorsed by the United Nations to deal with this contentious issue has unnecessarily divided Canadians and shows his complete disregard for the nuances of international affairs. Canada has no place unilaterally inserting itself in an ongoing debate between other nations.”

MHRMI president Bill Nicholov stated: "Canada has joined the 120 nations worldwide who have recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name, so by no means was it 'unilateral' in its decision. This nonsensical debate is akin to the United States suddenly having a problem with Canada's name and asking the United Nations to broker a solution. No country has the right to name another. Greece objects to the name of the Republic of Macedonia in order to continue its non-recognition and persecution of its large Macedonian minority."

Furthermore, the Liberal Party failed to reprimand MP Jim Karygiannis for referring to Macedonians as "Skopjans" in a September 21, 2007 Globe and Mail article. Macedonians find this term highly derogatory and complained to the Liberal Party but to no avail. The Liberal Party has made it clear that it does not stand for traditional Canadian values and will do whatever it takes in a desperate attempt to regain office.

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Macedonian Human Rights Movement International (MHRMI) has been active on human rights issues for Macedonians and other oppressed peoples since 1986. Its main objective is to pursue and attain all fundamental human and national rights including the right of freedom of expression and association and to support all democratic principles for all ethnic Macedonians, and other oppressed peoples. For more information please contact MHRMI at 416-850-7125, or info@mhrmi.org