UMD commends Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) for holding a hearing on January 18, 2012 on the topic of the Western Balkans and the 2012 NATO Summit.

UMD mourns the passing of the first president of the independent Republic of Macedonia, Kiro Gligorov, and offered its condolences to his family. President Gligorov died peacefully in his sleep late last night, at the age of 94.

In January 1991, Gligorov became the first democratically elected president of the independent Republic of Macedonia. While other parts of the Yugoslav federation only broke away from Belgrade after horrendous violence and warfare, Macedonia seceded peacefully, after a landslide referendum for independence.

Throughout history, Macedonians have been denied the right to self-determination with great vigor. Our existence as Macedonians with a distinct identity, culture, and language continues to be challenged even today. The Companions program is, therefore, UMD’s answer to our people’s global struggle for self-determination. A strong unified voice advocating for and promoting the Macedonian interests worldwide is the only way in which we will prevail and secure our people’s future. By becoming a Companion, you empower UMD to carry out this vital role in the world’s power centers so that global policymakers gain respect for our people and our homeland.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, in a press release, announced today that the Republic of Namibia became the 133rd country to establish diplomatic ties with Macedonia at an Ambassadorial level using the Macedonia’s constitutional name.