Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the December 2004 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

President' Bush Recognizes Macedonia's Constitutional Name

On Nov. 4, President George W. Bush recognized the Republic of Macedonia by its constitutional name, his first official act as a newly elected president.

Recognition of Macedonia by its real name is the result of Macedonians working together with a common message – "Don't call me FYROM. Call me by my NAME."

This catchy phrase created in Macedonia last spring almost succeeded in turning the tide at the Council of Europe, where Macedonians sent hundreds of thousands of postcards.

Since September 8, 1991, when 95 percent of the people of Macedonia voted for independence from Yugoslavia, the Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the United States and Canada has diligently worked to secure first, its recognition and second, its recognition by its constitutional name.

The MPO has worked to help elected officials understand Macedonia's situation. Senator Richard Luger and Congressman Mark Souder, who represent the MPO's home district, have strongly supported Macedonia throughout these years.

On March 11, Congressman Souder entered a resolution in the Congressional Record using Macedonia's constitutional name in memory of Boris Trajkovski.

Senator Luger was the first to call for U.S. troops to be stationed in Macedonia and has supported Macedonia within the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Since recognition early last month, members of the MPO and Macedonians throughout America have communicated their appreciation to the White House and the State Department.