INTERNATIONAL HELLENIC ASSOCIATION ( USA)

Claymont, Delaware 19703
U.S.A

www.professors-PhDs.com
Mail: IHAHellas@gmail.com

October 4, 2017


THE DECISION REGARDING A PERMANENT NAME FOR FYROM IS A MATTER OF GREECE’S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE BALKANS
To:
Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America,
Rex W. Tillersorn, Secretary of State
Matthew Nimetz, UN Special Mediator between Athens and Skopje
Member States of the United Nations
Member States of the EU
Members of the European Parliament
Cc:
Prokopios Pavlopoulos, President of Greece
Alexis Tsipras, Prime Minister of Greece
Nikos Kotzias, Foreign Minister of Greece
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Leader of the New Democracy party
Leaders of all political parties in Greece
Members of the Greek Parliament

Your Excellencies,
With this letter, we wish to make clear the reasons that Greeks cannot accept the word “Macedonia” (or any name that includes “Macedonia” in it) as the permanent name of its northern neighbor, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). This name (FYROM) was agreed upon to be used only temporarily. The term “Macedonia” has to be removed before the country’s entry to any international organization. The reasons are explained below.
Like any other nation, Greeks feel only a sense of pride when other countries use historical or other Greek names and words, as they introduce new scientific terms, or name companies, places, or cities. However, FYROM demands to be given the same name as its neighboring region which belongs to Greece (a large part of Northern Greece bordering FYROM is called Macedonia). What are the underlying reasons for this demand, and why are Greeks fiercely opposed to it?
On January 11, 1934, the Comintern (Communist International) recognized the existence of a non-existing “Macedonian nation”, which included all the—multiethnic—inhabitants of the territory that was once ancient Macedonia, the largest part of which was/is in Greece, and smaller parts in Bulgaria and south Yugoslavia. Subsequently (in 1944), the leader—and later president—of Communist Yugoslavia, Josip Broz (commonly known as Tito) renamed Vardarska Banovina (Province of the river Vardar), a region of south Yugoslavia, to “Socialist Republic of Macedonia”. In addition, he codified the language spoken in parts of south Yugoslavia, a Slavic dialect similar to Bulgarian dialects, and called it “Macedonian language”. It is important to note that the US administration immediately reacted at that time, with Secretary of State Edward Stettinius stating that any talk about “Macedonian nation”, “Macedonian Fatherland”, or “Macedonian national consciousness” is an “unjustified demagoguery representing no ethnic or political reality” and it can only be seen as “a possible cloak for aggressive intentions against Greece” (http://www.mfa.gr/images/docs/fyrom/dilosi_stettinius_dec_1944.pdf). Indeed, at that time, a narrative began developing, according to which the Slavic “Macedonians” are direct descendants of Alexander the Great and the Ancient Macedonians, and that the Greeks occupy a large part of their land (the large part of Northern Greece which was Macedonia since the ancient times and is still called Macedonia today). This ideology has gained strong momentum since 1991 (when the region of South Yugoslavia known today as FYROM broke away from Yugoslavia), as the ruling party of FYROM wished to bring to the newly founded “Macedonian nation” a sense of homogeneity and pride, and unite its inhabitants in a strife to “reclaim” the northern administrative region of Greece which is called Macedonia, and thus get access to the sea. This ideology is also taught throughout their education system, instilling into their youth animosity against Greece. It is clear, therefore, that the demand of FYROM to use “Macedonia” as its permanent name is only part of their expansionistic dream to “reclaim” the Macedonian Greek land.
FYROM and its government have made no effort to hide these intentions, which are attested to by the enormous statue of Alexander the Great that the government built in a central square of Skopje, the renaming of Skopje’s airport after Alexander the Great, the issuing of currency with the White Tower of Thessaloniki on it (which was stopped only after Greece imposed a trade embargo across its borders with FYROM), the inclusion of articles in FYROM’s constitution implying a right to all lands of ancient Macedonia, or the rather incomprehensible video, with racist overtones, speaking of their national purity and higher purpose, and calling on them to rise up as their time has come (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zNXW5ITS6mA), which was aired in a government-owned TV channel. Moreover, last August, the Consul General of FYROM attended an event by the “United Macedonia” organization in Toronto, Canada, where the “Macedonian pride” of the people of FYROM was declared in front of “a map of their country” which included Thessaloniki and the rest of Greece’s province of Macedonia, as well as part of Bulgaria; similar “exhibitions” have occurred multiple times in the past, with the participation and encouragement of government officials. Furthermore, in a recent meeting between the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kotzias, and FYROM’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Dimitrov, as the latter spoke about peace and reconciliation between the two countries, he also declared that he is a proud Macedon!
It is not the purpose of this letter to explain that the history of Ancient Macedonia is a very important part of Greek history; in fact, anyone with some degree of historical knowledge is well aware of that (for information see http://macedonia-evidence.org/). We hope it is clear, however, that with FYROM right on its northern border stirring animosity against Greece, threatening Greece’s territorial integrity, and ensuring that this hostility continues by educating their children accordingly, Greece cannot accept the name Macedonia for FYROM, or ANY name that includes the word “Macedonia” in it, which will be reduced to “Macedonia”, just like FYROM is already referred to as Macedonia in many world maps. Greece cannot vote for entry of FYROM into NATO or the EU, until the people of FYROM choose a permanent name for their country that does not include the term “Macedonia” in it.
It is difficult not to notice—and worth pointing out—the closer ties that FYROM has been developing with Turkey (e.g. http://umdiaspora.org/2011/09/19/umd-honors-tca-chairman-with-macedonia-friendship-award/ and http://umdiaspora.org/2012/04/18/tca-a-umd-announce-study-in-turkey-scholarships-for-macedonian-american-students-mk/), Greece’s eastern neighbor, who provokes Greece on a daily basis by invading Greek waters and airspace, and disputes Greece’s sea borders; apparently, the old saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” has been applied in this case, but such developments cannot contribute to offering Greece “peace of mind”, while they force Greece to spend on Defense significantly more than what the country can afford.
Greeks throughout the world do not harbor any enmity or hostility toward the citizens of FYROM, and yearn for a peaceful and productive coexistence between the two peoples. It is important to note in this regard that Greece has decidedly contributed to building FYROM’s economy and infrastructure. Greece has an earnest desire for mutual respect and the realization of a lasting political solution with its northern neighbor. However, offering FYROM a permanent name that includes the word “Macedonia” in it, or accepting it into NATO as FYROM, a temporary name that already includes the term “Macedonia”, will only produce an exacerbation of a serious problem for Greece, FYROM, and the Balkans.
Signatures

1. Almpoura Efstratia P., MScPsy Dev LP, Athens, Greece
2. Andreatos Antonios, Professor, Hellenic A/F Academy, Greece
3. Argyropoulos, Yiannis, PhD, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T Labs, USA
4. Argyrou Fanoulla, Researcher, Journalist, Author, London, United Kingdom
5. Aroniadou-Anderjaska Vassiliki, PhD, Research Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Bethesda, MD, USA
6. Athanassiou Myrodis, Diplom-Physiker, Munich, Germany
7. Athanasoulis Gerasimos A., Professor, School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
8. Avanea Agathi, Jounarlist, Athens, Greece
9. Bacalis Naoum, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
10. Baloglou George, fmr Associate Professor of Mathematics, SUNY Oswego, USA
11. Balopoulos Victor, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
12. Baltatzis Panagiotis, MD, Internist, General Secretary, Hellenic American National Council, Baltimore, USA
13. Batrakoulis Theodoros, PhD, Geopolitics, France
14. Blytas George C., PhD, Physical Chemistry (ret.), University of Wisconsin, USA
15. Bougas Ioannis, PhD, The Bougas Management Consulting, Queen’s University, Canada
16. Bucher Matthias, Associate Professor, Technical University of Crete, Greece
17. Chryssakis Thanasis, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mathematics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
18. Constantinidou Hellen-Isis A., Professor Εmeritus, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
19. Daniil Evangelia, MD., Medic Pneumonologist-Specialist in Tuberculosis, Greece
20. Daskalopoulou Stella S., PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
21. Di Filippo Giuseppina, PhD, fmr Professor Humanities, Classics and Italian, University of New Hampshire, USA
22. Dimoutsos Andreas Ι., PhD, Athens, Greece
23. Dimoutsos Michalis, Microbiologist, Athens, Greece
24. Dokos Socrates, PhD, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
25. Dragas George Dion., The V. Rev. Professor, PhD, DD, DTh, Professor of Patrology, Helllenic College/Holy Cross, Boston, MA, USA
26. Dritsos Stefanos, Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Patras, Greece
27. Economides Spyros, Dept. of Management, California State University, East Bay, USA
28. Efthymiou Pavlos N., Professor Emeritus, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
29. Evangeliou Christos, Professor of Philosophy, Towson, MD, USA
30. Evangelidis Dimitris E., Ethnologist, Author, Greece
31. Filippou-Katehis Athina, Assistant to the Director of the Education, Office of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America, NYC, USA
32. Fountzoulas Costas, PhD, Philadelphia, PA, USA
33. Fraggoulis Fraggos, PhD, General (Επιτιμος Αρχηγος ΓΕΣ Στρατηγος εα), Greece
34. Fytrolakis Nikolaos, Professor Emeritus, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
35. Gatzoulis Nina, former Professor of Humanities, Classics and Italian, University of New Hampshire, USA
36. Gatzoulis Vassilios, President of Hellenic Society PAIDEIA of New Hampshire, Electrical-Nuclear Engineer (ret.), US Defense Dept., Naval Submarine Div., USA
37. Georgiadis Georgios, Υπτγος ε.α, Πρόεδρος ΕΑΑΣ Ν.Ξάνθης, Greece
38. Gialtouridis George, President of New England Risk Solutions LLC, Westwood, MA, USA
39. Giannopoulos Georgios, Professor Emeritus, University of Patras, Greece
40. Giannoukos Stamatios, MEng, PhD, Post Doctoral Research Associate, University of Liverpool, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, United Kingdom
41. Grammatikos Filippos, Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
42. Haitidis Efstathios, PhD, Munich University, Mέλος της Γερμανικής Ακαδημίας Πράξης και Επιστήμη και επίτιμος πρόεδρος του συλλογου του ολοκαυτώματος Πύργων Εορδαίας με την επωνυμία Ιερή μνήμη, Greece
43. Halamandaris Pandelis, PhD, Brandon University, USA
44. Hatzitolios Apostolos I., Professor of Internal Medicine, Head of First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Vicepresident of Internal Medicine Society of Greece, Vicepresident of Hellenic Professional Union of Internists
45. Hatzichronoglou Lena, PhD, Professor of Humanities, Macomb Community Members College, MI, USA
46. Hatzopoulos John N., MSCE, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of the Aegean, Greece, fmr Professor, California State University, Fresno, USA
47. Hoidas Spyros, Professor Emeritus, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
48. Iatrou Christos, Professor of Anesthesiology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
49. Ierapetritis D., BA, MSc, PhD Geography, Unversity of the Aegean, Greece
50. Iliopoulou-Georgoudaki Ioanna, Professor (ret.), Dept. of Biology, University of Patras, Greece
51. Intzesiloglou Nikolaos, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Law, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
52. Ioannou Petros, Professor, Electrical Engineering Systems, University of Southern California, Director of Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies, Associate Director for Research METRANS, Director of Financial Engineering Masters Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA
53. Kaikis-Lericos Irene, BS Communications, Towson University, Executive Director (ret.), Field Communications, Washington, D.C., Executive Board Member, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Baltimore, MD, USA
54. Kakouli-Duarte Thomais, PhD, Director enviroCORE, Lecturer in Biosciences, Dept. of Science and Health, Institute of Technology, Carlow, Ireland
55. Karakostas Ted , Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Masters of Orthodox Theological studies, Boston USA
56. Karantzikos Athanasios, Lieutenant General (ret.), Επίτιμος Α Υπαρχηγός ΓΕΣ, Greece
57. Karatzios Christos, MD CM, FRCP, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Care Centre, Canada
58. Karkamanis Dimitrios, fmr Senior Research Fellow, Swedish National Defense Research Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
59. Kapetanakis Emmanouil, Postgraduate student, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
60. Katsarkas A., MD, PhD, Professor in Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
61. Katsifis Spiros P., PhD, FACFE, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, Graduate Studies, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, USA
62. Kelesidis Vassilios C., Petroleum Institute, a part of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
63. Kladi Matianthi, fmr Professor, Dept. of International and European Studies, Panteion University, Athens, Greece
64. Kliros George, PhD, Associate Professor, Head of Division of Electronics, Electric Power, Telecommunications, Dept. of Aeronautical Sciences, Hellenic Air Force Academy, Greece
65. Kodogianidis Nikolaos PhD, PE Electrical Engineer, Fred Wilson & Associates, Jacksonville, FL, USA
66. Koios Nikolaos, PhD, Assistant Professor, University Ecclesiastical Academy of Thessaloniki, Greece
67. Kolovos Alexander, PhD, Executive Analytics Professional, SpaceTimeWorks, San Diego, CA, USA
68. Konstantinidou Anastasia, Head, Office of Public & International Relations, Western Macedonia University of Applied Sciences, Kozani, Greece
69. Kontis Ioannis, Major General (ret.), Greece
70. Koumakis Leonidas, Jurist, Author, Greece
71. Kounnamas Gregory, MSc Naval Architect, School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
72. Kouroumalis Elias, MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Medical School, University of Crete, Greece
73. Kozyrakis Kostas, Assistant Professor, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
74. Kyriakou Georgios, Professor, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
75. Lampropoulou Venetta, Professor Emeritus, Special-Deaf Education, Deaf Studies Unit, Department of Primary Education, University of Patras, Greece
76. Lazaridis Anastasios, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
77. Leventouri Theodora, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Physics, Director of Medical Physics FAU, Boca Raton, FL, USA
78. Liolios Asterios, Professor (ret.), Dept. of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
79. Lomis Dean, Professor Emeritus, University of Delaware, USA
80. Lymberis Maria T., MD, Distinguished Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry (hon.), UCLA School of Medicine, USA
81. Makrodimitris Aggelos, PhD, Ophthalmologist (ret.), Greece
82. Manias Stefanos, Professor, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
83. Manios Ioannis Κ., PhD, DDS/LitMG ΥΠΟΠΤΕΡΑΡΧΟΣ ΥΓΕΙΟΝΟΜΙΚΟΥ, Greece
84. Mataragas Bill, President of Hellenic American National Council (HANC), USA
85. Mavros Ioannis G., MA in Political Economy, New School for Social Research NY, NY, USA
86. Melakopides Costas, Associate Professor of International Relations (ret.), University of Cyprus, Cyprus
87. Mermigas Lefteris, Professor of Pathology, SUNYAB, USA
88. + Metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aigialia, Amvrosios, Greece
89. Michopoulos Aristotelis, Professor, Hellenic College, MA, USA
90. Milioritsas Nikolaos, Lieutenant General (ret.), Greece
91. Miller Barbara, Baltimore, MD, USA
92. Miller Stephen G., Professor Emeritus, University of California at Berkeley, USA
93. Moraitis Nicholaos L., PhD, International Relations, Comparative Politics U.S. Foreign Policy, University of California, Berkeley, USA
94. Moschovakis A.K., MD, PhD, Professor of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
95. Natsios Dimitrios, Teacher, Theologist, Author, Kilkis, Greece
96. Niarchos Panos, Professor (ret.), Indiana University, USA
97. Nikolaidis Tasos, Professor Emeritus, University of Crete, Greece
98. Nikitaras Nikitas, Associate Professor, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
99. Noutsis Konstantine, Dermatologist, Vice President, AHEPA Chapter of Athens, Greece
100. Ntapalis Andrew H., Adjunct Professor of Modern Greek, Dept. of Classics, University of New Hampshire, USA
101. Oikonomou Alexandra, Associate Professor, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
102. Okos Anthony, MD, Seattle, WA, USA
103. Panoskaltsis Vassilis P., Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Demokritus University of Thrace, Greece
104. Papadopoulos Dimitrios P., Professor Emeritus, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
105. Papadopoulos Kyriakos, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
106. Papadopoulos Nikolaos Th., MD PhD, FEBO, Professor Emeritus, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
107. Papagaryfallou Panagiotis, Professor (ret.), Panteion University, Greece
108. Papagiannis Grigorios, Associate Professor of Byzantine Philology, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
109. Papakostas Stephanos, MBA formerly professor of Business Administration, Southeastern College, Deree College, Athens, Greece
110. Papamarinopoulos Stavros P., University of Patras, Greece
111. Papathanasiou Maria K., Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Mathematics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
112. Patitsas Tom A., Professor Emeritus of Physics, Laurentian University, Sudbury, CA, USA
113. Pelekanos Nikos, Professor, University of Crete, Greece
114. Pelidou Sygkliti-Henrietta, Assistant Professor in Neurology, Dept. of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
115. Perdikatsis Vassilis, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Mineral Resources Engineering, Technical University of Crete Greece
116. Persephonis Peter, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Physics, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
117. Phufas Ellene S., Professor, English/Film/ESL, Translator/Editor, SUNY ERIE, Buffalo NY
118. Polymerakis Fotis, Assistant Professor, Dept of Philology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
119. Poularikas Alexander, Professor Emeritus, University of Alabama, USA
120. Rantsios Apostolos T., PhD, DipECVPH, FHVA Past President and Honorary member, WVA, Greece
121. Rigos Evangelos, Master Mariner, Pace University, BBA, NY., Greece
122. Righos George N, Order of AHEPA, Past District Governor, 5th District, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
123. Rocha Rhoda S., (ret.) Professor, Baltimore County Community College, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
124. Rouman John C., Professor Emeritus, Classics University of New Hampshire, USA
125. Shiakolas Panos S., Professor, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
126. Sideris Kostas K., Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
127. Simeonidis Ioannis, Economist, PhD in Economics/Marketing, fmr Director of Public Sector Division in Agricultural Bank of Greece, fmr Professor in Dept of Management, Athens University of Applied Sciences AEI/TEI, Greece
128. Sinis Martha, Docent, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
129. Spathopoulos Theodoros, Ing., fmr Director of Studies, Research & Development, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, Greece
130. Stamboliadis Elias, Professor, Technical University of Crete, Greece
131. Stavropoulos Georgios, MD, Cytopathologist, Professor, Technological Institute of Athens, Greece
132. Tatsios Georgios, Pharmacist, Msc in Industrial Pharmacy, Biostatistics, Health Management, President of Panhellenic Macedonian Cultural Club Association, Greece
133. Tomazos Ilias, Professor-Director of Hellenic Society PAIDEIA, University of Connecticut, USA
134. Triantafillou Georgia, PhD, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
135. Tsakiridis Haralambos E., Υποστράτηγος Υγειονομικού, Ιατρός (military surgeon), Greece
136. Tzafettas Ioannis, PhD, FRCOG Professor, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, President of Hellenic Representative Committee of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Greece
137. Tzamouzakis Fragiskos, fmr Researcher A, Centre of Planning and Economic Research, Greece
138. Tsatsanifos Christos, PhD, Civil Engineer, Qatar
139. Tsolaki Magdalini, Professor of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Chair of Greek Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease, Greece
140. Vallianatos Evaggelos, PhD, Historian, Environmental Strategist, contributor to the Huffington Post, USA
141. Vardoulakis Antonios Ioannis, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Mathematics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaliniki, Greece
142. Vassileiadis Charalambos, Professor, Dept. of Music Studies, Ionian University, Greece
143. Vassileiadis Damianos, Teacher, Author, Greece
144. Vlachos Dimitrios, Dept. of Physics, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
145. Voudrias Evangelos A., Professor, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
146. Vretakou Vasileia PhD, Technical University of Berlin, Germany
147. Wright Olga K., Vice President of Hellenic Society PAIDEIA, University of Connecticut, USA
148. Yiacoumettis Andreas, Professor, President of European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS), Greece
149. Yfantis Evangelos A., PhD, Professor of Computer Science and Aerodynamics, UNLV, USA
150. Ypsilanti Maria, Assistant Professor of Ancient Greek Literature, Dept. of Classical Studies and Philosophy, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
151. Zagris Nikolas, Professor, University of Patras, Greece
152. Zervas Yannis, Associate Professor, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece