Article

2008-08-15 Europe

Macedonia: Name dispute should not block NATO entry, says Rice

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Posted by Fred 2008-08-15 00:00|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 I am sure that Greeks would not object if it was calling itself Vardarska Macedonia. That is actually its historical moniker, beside variants like Vardarska Bukovina. Otherwise, they have to be content to be called by the somewhat disrespectful FYROM.

Posted by Spike Uniter 2008-08-15 02:37|| 2008-08-15 02:37|| Front Page Top

#2 "Otherwise, they have to be content to be called by the somewhat disrespectful FYROM."

They were willing to enter with that name into NATO, but Greece wasn't content with this and demanded the name issue to be resolved first in its entirety. (This was btw in violation of a previous agreement made in the 1990s that Greece would not oppose the country's entry in international organization as long as it used the FYROM moniker)

Ofcourse my belief is that the situation is altogether the reverse than Greece presents it -- they claim its the name that makes them not want to accept the Republic of Macedonia into NATO, I believe instead it's the fact they don't want them into NATO that causes them to raise the name issue yet again.

And the reason they don't want it into NATO is because Greece's governments have been the lackeys of Russia for a long time now.

Posted by Ari.s 2008-08-15 05:21|| 2008-08-15 05:21|| Front Page Top

#3 Hmmm, interesting, Aris. Do you have some figures (yay, nay, dunno--roughly) what is the take on the issue as the general Greece population goes?

I know that Greek governments were SU/Russia lackeys in the past (ideology), but thought they were over it. Any idea why, what's in it for them, from your POV?

[hoping that I won't be chastised for inviting Aris into discussion, I'd really would like to know, and if he promises to keep it readable --short and sweet ... ;-)]

Posted by Spike Uniter 2008-08-15 05:46|| 2008-08-15 05:46|| Front Page Top

#4
It's Fred's call whether Aris can stay this time. He certainly is persistent lately about trying to have his say here. But he was pooplisted for a reason and it wasn't done lightly.

I'm not going to block this comment for now. Aris - a warning. None of us mods are feeling particularly patient right now with anyone who dominates a discussion endlessly or who seems to be egging people on provocatively.

It's a "know it when we see it" subjective call, but you've been warned.

Posted by lotp 2008-08-15 06:29|| 2008-08-15 06:29|| Front Page Top

#5 Aaaaw its only Aris , he's been trolling on here since the year dot .. Dont be so mean Mods !

iirc , before he joined the greek(?) army on national service , he was a good debator and offered insightful opinions . Then , bang - welcome to the flipside .

We have to have a favourite pet troll surely ?

Posted by Mad Eye 2008-08-15 07:00|| 2008-08-15 07:00|| Front Page Top

#6 Like I said, the mods' patience is thin right now. We're dealing daily with attacks on the Burg at a time when there are also legitimate hot issues up for discussion and comment.

Vigorous debate is welcome. Well-honed snark is applauded. Persistent baiting, dominating threads or personal attacks are not.

Posted by lotp 2008-08-15 07:29|| 2008-08-15 07:29|| Front Page Top

#7 Never understood people getting uptight over names.
In some situtations... he you... is appropriate...

Just don't call me Sue... {^8

Posted by 3dc 2008-08-15 08:37|| 2008-08-15 08:37|| Front Page Top

#8 What lotp said. And don't call us Shirley :-)

Posted by Steve White 2008-08-15 08:52|| 2008-08-15 08:52|| Front Page Top

#9 Now that I've returned fully relaxed from our respite in lovely Door County, I'll try to behave. For a few days.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-08-15 09:03|| 2008-08-15 09:03|| Front Page Top

#10 ...I'll try to behave. For a few days.

Yeah, good luck ;)

Posted by DarthVader 2008-08-15 10:09|| 2008-08-15 10:09|| Front Page Top

#11 Call me silly but what does Macedonia (under whatever name) really add to Nato? Beyond annoying other members and being a likely flashpoint to draw Nato into war.

Posted by rjschwarz 2008-08-15 13:15|| 2008-08-15 13:15|| Front Page Top

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