Tag: Australian-Macedonian

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UMD Voice

UMD’s Generation M Expands Australian and European Branches; Appoints Senior Advisor

Generation M, the United Macedonian Diaspora’s (UMD) young leaders program is proud to announce the newest additions to their global leadership team. The newly appointed Representatives and Senior Advisor along with Generation M’s current Board of Directors actively promote the education, empowerment, and unification of Macedonian youth around the world.

The Generation M team has sought inspiration in these uncertain and changing times by strengthening their digital footprint and relations. Recently, Generation M has brought young Macedonians together through social networking events such as online Zoom sessions focusing on personal finance, Macedonian culture, and history, as well as a Macedonian Virtual Trivia night. Generation M has also launched their first-ever mentorship program where they will match young professionals with experienced Macedonians in their field.

Through this expansion and the ongoing commitment of UMD Generation M members, Macedonians around the world will find a community that perseveres during an unprecedented period such as this. One that persists together.

We encourage all young Macedonians to join the ranks of Generation M to continue the advancement of our culture and identity. Email us at generationm@umdiaspora.org to get involved!

To learn more about Generation M you may check out our website by visiting www.generationm.org.

Presenting the newest additions to our team:

UMD’s Generation M has appointed its first-ever representative in Solun, modern-day Greece. For their safety, their identity will be kept anonymous. The Generation M team is overjoyed to have this individual on board and looks forward to continuing to preserve our heritage in such an important and sensitive geographical location for all Macedonians.

Marija Anevska

Vice Chair, Australian Operations

Marija Anevska was born in Melbourne with roots from Bitola, Ohrid, and Mala Prespa. She graduated in 2016 with a B.A from The University of Melbourne, double majoring in Politics & International Studies and Psychology. She is currently in her final year of the Melbourne Juris Doctor. 

As a proud, first-generation Macedonian-Australian, she is excited to see Gen M grow in Australia, continuing to spread our Macedonian cause and culture. 

Izabela Barakovska

Regional Representative, Perth, Australia

Izabela is a first-generation Australian-Macedonian, born in Perth with a heritage from Prilep and Berovo. She has proudly grown up with one foot in each culture and appreciates the perspective and passion it has given her for multiculturalism and international relations, and the interconnected nature of people, languages, culture, history, art, architecture and politics. 

Finishing her secondary education by attending the 2019 United Nations Youth Australia Young Diplomat’s European Tour opened her eyes to various international organisations and issues – the very same which she aims to spend her professional life working in and with. She is currently undertaking her B.A. from The University of Western Australia, majoring in Political Science & International Relations and Management. 

Izabela’s Generation M experience began in 2019 as the Perth Regional Representative. Her current aim is to further establish the Western Australian division of Gen M. 

She loves asking questions and strongly backs their capacity for disillusionment, education, character building, and life-changing conversations. Her experience in public relations, marketing, and journalism over the last half-decade, seamlessly complements her ambitions to improve awareness, opportunities, communication, and engagement (regarding politics, multiculturalism, education, and leadership alike) in local and international communities.

Mitch Belichovski

National Advisor, Australia

Mitch Belichovski joined UMD in 2019. Born and bred in Australia with roots in “Lerinsko”, Aegean Macedonia. He recently achieved his Master of Finance from RMIT in Melbourne and works as a financial adviser at Australia’s largest stockbroking firm. 

Having worked previously at a Macedonian Human Rights organisation he brings experience and a passionate mindset. He hopes to help protect Macedonia’s sovereignty and work towards the recognition of Macedonian minorities in Greece and Bulgaria. In his spare time, Mitch enjoys networking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Filip Jotevski

Senior Advisor

Filip Jotevski is a proud, first-generation Macedonian-American born in Columbus, Ohio with roots from Bitola, Macedonia. Filip lives in Washington, D.C. where he is an Associate Director at the Democratic National Committee. 

He first got his start with Generation M as an International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow for the United Macedonian Diaspora where he helped kick-start the Macedonian youth movement as its first Global Chair in 2015. Following the successes of launching in Canada and the United States, he was then an inaugural participant of Birthright Macedonia where he worked in the Cabinet of Jerry Naumoff, Minister for Foreign Investments, in Skopje.

Filip aims to use his experience in politics and government to advance the Macedonian cause and inspire young Macedonians around the world to do the same. 

He enjoys traveling, playing rugby, and re-watching the Alexander movie on a monthly basis.

Elena Sekulovska

Regional Representative, Melbourne, Australia

Born in Bitola, Elena Sekulovska moved to Melbourne at the age of 10. She is currently in her second year of Bachelor of Arts, she is double majoring in History and Politics & International Studies at the University of Melbourne.  After she completes her degree, Elena aims to earn a Masters degree in International Relations and hopes to pursue a career in either diplomacy, public service, or academia.

Elena has a range of interests which include history, international relations, politics, geography, and learning new languages. She is the current Vice President of the Melbourne University Macedonian Students Society. 

‘I joined Generation M because I believe that Macedonians as a whole cannot advance Macedonian interests without youth engagement, as the future continues from them. Young Macedonians from the diaspora must engage in diplomacy, business, networking and social events which help them solidify their heritage in order to advance Macedonian interests – Generation M is the perfect platform for this.’

Stefani Taskova Miteva

Secretary, Board of Directors; Chair, Australian Operations

Stefani Taskova Miteva is a second-generation Australian-Macedonian born in Melbourne with roots from Veles and Aegean Macedonia. She graduated from Monash University in 2019 with a B.A majoring in International Relations (IR) and Human Rights and is currently pursuing her Masters in IR. Macedonia has always been a big passion of Stefani’s, who has always wanted to live a part of her life there. After completing Birthright Macedonia in 2019, this became a reality. 

She hopes to continue empowering young Macedonians around the world, so that we may all leave a better impact.

‘UMD and Birthright Macedonia have opened doors for me, and my love for Macedonia continues to grow.’

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The views of the author may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Macedonian Diaspora and Generation M.

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UMD Voice

MACEDONIA: NAME CHANGE YET NO CHANGE AT ALL?

As stated by the first Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov at the French Institute of International Affairs in 1993:

“The right to a people to use its own name is natural and inalienable.” President Kiro Gligorov
Circa. 1993

Indeed such remarks were supported by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz in Greece 1995 stating that “Greece cannot choose the name. Greece can only say that it is against the name chosen… Not even the UN is the one to choose the name… they can decide to address us with “former British colony North America.” That is not our name just as FYROM is not the name of this country.” Yet, ironically enough, twenty-three years later, Nimetz himself was directly involved and played a crucial role in the negotiations concerning Macedonia’s name change to the ‘Republic of North Macedonia,’ firmly highlighting Western double standards and hypocrisy, which take place when certain political interests need to be fulfilled. 

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and the Greek Parliament after they approve the name change (Source: Guardian)

One might say that therefore the new year has indeed brought new changes, yet as some would say unwanted changes, especially in regards to the ratification of the Prespa Agreement, giving birth to ‘North Macedonia’ and beginning the process of European integration. This was happily welcomed by Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, who stated at a press conference on the 30th of January that “Great Britain has freed a place, so that we can take a place in the European Union.” Unfortunately for the PM, that’s not exactly how European integration works. Rather realist connotations of international relations would highlight a nonpartisan concern for whether Macedonia is named as FRYOM, North Macedonia or Funkytown as dubbed by a satirical article, considering that integration here has arguably been used as a means of securing influence and power in the region. Indeed, this becomes further apparent when considering Putin’s comments, stating that the US wants to assert dominance in the Balkans with Macedonia’s name change, as NATO accession talks increases western influence and is perceived to be a destabilising factor in the Balkans, especially when NATO expansionism tends to be seen as a relic of the cold war.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev now seeks to join NATO and the EU with this name change (Source: ABC)

The 25th of January, seen as a ‘historic day for Greece and Macedonia,’ saw the controversial parliamentary approval and ratification of the Prespa Agreement by both participating nations. However, numerous accusations of corruption, manipulation and bribery came to light (unfortunately, this was at no surprise), especially when considering that the referendum held in the Republic of Macedonia in September 2018, asking Macedonian’s to change its constitutional name, resulted in a low turnout, which did not meet the threshold required to make legislative and constitutional changes. In other words, the actions of PM Zaev and parliamentarians completely and wholly ignored the majority of the Macedonian population, going against the peoples will, and re-naming a nation – creating a rather, new, politically correct one. Hence by doing so, disdaining an identity and memory that has been built on certain historical narratives just as any other nation has, further denying its sovereignty and the right to self-determination. By proceeding to pass such proposals, representatives have ironically violated those exact democratic principles which they have preached at the ballot box, election time, and press conferences, emphasising the essence of European integration and the need for Macedonia’s constitutional name change as a means of entering into a peaceful, co-operative and economically beneficial Union. Sadly, however, all that has been currently proven is that a continuous cycle of false promises, legislative and democratic failure, corruption, interference and manipulation remains. We merely need to look to the International Court of Justice who in 2008 found Greece in violation of a bilateral agreement signed between the two nations in 1995, preventing Macedonia’s accession to international organisations by continuously vetoing its membership. Not to mention, as highlighted by Professor Dr. Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, that the Prespa Agreement violates the UN Charter itself, as the Republic of Macedonia has been forced to negotiate its name, constitution, legal system and identity.  

Protesters against the name change (Source: ABC)

Politics has in a sense pervaded everyday life in Macedonia, as almost everything becomes politicised or is a direct consequence of politics. Family get-togethers involve political talk, people are at times divided based on the political party which they are affiliated with, medical appointments become impossible unless patients slip extra denari under the table or a bag of coffee to receive treatment, money saved by town members to asphalt the road has been stolen by council members and the road has only been completed half way. This, and indeed so much more became evident to me during my stay over the university break. Everybody talks politics, believing that some change will be brought with the name change, yet now even those who believed in the PM and voted in favour of ‘North Macedonia’ show regret as they realise they haven’t read the terms and conditions of the Prespa Agreement at all. Most deny the presence of democracy and the rule of law completely, often admitting that no matter what they do, vote yes or no, vote for one politician over another, that the outcome is known in advance, that those who hold power, internally and externally, have already decided the outcome. Unfortunately, so many feel hopeless, working for merely €200 euros a month – this is where political tensions and public outrage emerge. 


It is important however to note that no one has thus far been against ‘friendship, peace and co-operation’ between the two nations, indeed, an old Macedonian saying claims that ‘za lošo za arno komšijata e prv’ (‘for better or for worse your neighbours are here/first to help.’) Instead, what is most concerning is when one realises that this agreement has come with a cost that seems to be overlooked by many, as widespread denial continues to exist, with comments such as Greek Deputy Citizens’ Protection Minister Katerina Papacosta:

“My reading [of the deal] is positive in specific points… the name Macedonia “had been usurped” for years and now “it returns to us, along with its culture.”

Those in Macedonia and within the diaspora dubbed as ‘nationalists’ or ‘conservatives’ have rather been misunderstood, as considerably, all that they are advancing for is recognition and respect of international law and human rights. Acknowledging, recognising and respecting the constitution of a nation and its people, just as we respect that of Australia, the US and Russia, for we have a right of non-interference in a nations internal affairs, especially when considering something so distinct and intrinsic, such as a nations name and the identity/nationality of its people. 


Indeed, this requires the international community to take a step back and ask itself, would this be allowed in Russia, America, or China, or indeed any other influential power in the world?… I can already hear the reader whispering no. Then why is this international matter being congratulated and labelled as a ‘brave’ ‘historical moment’ when “Macedonians/Citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia” (for this is what they will be referred to as now) are purely asking to be accepted as who and what they’ve always been – simply, Macedonian.

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The views of the author may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Macedonian Diaspora and Generation M.


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UMD Voice

Poem: I Exist.

I EXIST

I exist
I’m sorry that this offends you
That this threatens you
I mean you no harm

My grandfather is old 
Soon he will cease to exist in this world
Happy?

My grandfather doesn’t like change 
Same chair, same clothes, same meal, same routine,
Like his cigarette with his coffee sameness is his comfort
But change haunts him

He has two surnames 
One ends in ‘ski’ the other in ‘kis’
He doesn’t know how old he is
When his birthday is

A birth certificate does not exist
The village, in which his new-born cries once pierced the air signalling his arrival into the world, no longer exists
As a name on a map.
Though somewhere there is soil that still remembers his childhood footsteps
Somewhere trees have grown nourished by his young spilt blood

Soon he will die, not on this land, but far away
And then who will he be?
What do you propose should be written on his tombstone?
Why do i have to ask you this?

He doesn’t know his name or age
He only knows who his family is
Who his parents were
His tongue still remembers how to effortlessly speak a language for which it was once burnt
He remembers the smell and taste of castor oil
He knows who was responsible
He knows who didn’t come to help
He knows all this 
He knows because he is Macedonian
He is Macedonian 
He is Macedonian
He is Macedonia

Who do you think he is?
Who do you think you are to have a say in this?
A Macedonian you reply?
Well okay
Have that written on your tombstone if you wish

He wants nothing from you 
You can have his childhood home
You can have his mother’s grave  
You already claimed it with your writing
You can have his name

He asks only for the one thing he knows

His identity

He is Macedonian 

Are you humane enough to allow him this?

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The views of the author may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Macedonian Diaspora and Generation M.

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Uncategorized

“I am Macedonian”: Why the ongoing inter-generational theft of the Macedonian identity must be acknowledged

The term “genocide” was first coined by Polish lawyer Raphael Lemkin in 1944, and has since been defined in the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide as:

 

‘… with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, as such:

  1. Killing members of the group;
  2. Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
  3. Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;
  4. Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group

 

Yet, we often overlook and don’t talk enough about the genocide of culture, identity, language and tradition. Indeed, Lemkin himself initially referred to the annihilation of groups, including the destruction of culture, identity and language along with national feelings, personal security, liberty and dignity. Although not being explicitly referred to in the official UN definition of the term, these elements are nonetheless present within The Convention itself.

 

As a student of International Relations and Human Rights, this has often led me to think about the effects of genocides on later generations, effects as such that could arguably be referred to as a ‘modern day genocide’ regarding issues such as the continual denial of a nations right of self-determination, its citizens and those within the diaspora’s right to self-identify, the refusal of property rights, denying language schools and so on and so forth. Furthermore, during the course of my degree at Monash University, I have read theories and indeed noticed that in academic circles there is often a hierarchy of what counts as legitimate ontology and epistemology, or rather, what is legitimate knowledge and how we know that to be. In this regard, there is a hierarchy of what counts as a legitimate culture and/or identity. In this sense the concept of ‘othering,’ also arises, where one’s own sense of identity is framed in response to some ‘other,’ which tends to be singled out, repressed, appropriated or excluded. It is with these concepts in mind where personal experiences have highlighted those effects regarding the continuation, as well as, the effects of past genocides in the modern day and age. My argument here is that past genocide not only affects those that lived throughout that trauma, but it also affects their kin, as well as those that identify with that specific, and targeted, national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

 

Now, what do I mean by this in the context of Macedonia? Well first and foremost I identify as a Macedonian born in Australia, but as someone who is also the granddaughter of one of the Decata Begalci (“the Refugee Children”), who were forcibly displaced from Aegean Macedonia (what is today in Greece). So, you can see how the current events concerning Macedonia’s name change and the deal with Greece for accession to the European Union is an international relations and human rights issue that strikes protest within me.

 

I do not want to attempt to go into debates about whether Macedonia should or shouldn’t become the Republic of North Macedonia, and whether this as a means of European integration will bring “zivot vo Makedonija” (“life to Macedonia”) … although some of you can probably guess my stance on this, the point I am trying to highlight is that past events, in conjunction with political tensions, have a significant influence and effect in prolonging present-day injustices. In this regard, families and to some degree national groups affected by genocides arguably cannot in whole remove themselves from the past.

 

For example, my grandma’s experiences during the Greek Civil War impacted how she was treated by Greek border officials 30 years later, and even today when striking a conversation with a stranger at the local Deli and being told “Macedonian? But aren’t you Greek, you Greek!” highlights the continual aspects of discrimination at a local level, which in effect relates to and is a consequence of those past and present political issues at a national and international level, such as Macedonia’s name change.

 

You might now ask, but how have I directly experienced this? A 21-year-old in her final semester of her Bachelor’s Degree, who in assumption should be surrounded by professional academics, whose motto is ‘question everything,’ and who encourage one to think critically about international relations and theory. And the answer is yes, I have definitely experienced this and rather by those academics themselves. Although they may be ill-informed or see the issues concerning Macedonia differently to me, this does not hide the fact that I have indeed been condescendingly told ‘we will not refer to it (Macedonia) as Macedonia, we will refer to it as FYROM because that’s its official name’… despite the fact that its official constitutional name is The Republic of Macedonia, which has also been internationally recognised by some 140 countries including Russia and the U.S.

 

Furthermore, in the height of the Prespa agreement (which moreover violates the constitution of Macedonia) signed by Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras, close friends of mine travelling around Europe at the time had been satirically laughed at. Laughed at the fact that they called themselves Macedonian, considering that ironically, ‘Macedonia never was and never will be Macedonian.’ And although we in the diaspora, are continually being told that we do not have a say because we are not living under Macedonia’s current poor standards, in my view, do have a say. For what decisions are made at a national and domestic level by Macedonia, has a direct effect on how we will be identified as within the diaspora, not to mention those of us who possess documents stamped with ‘The Republic of Macedonia,’ which over time will have to be changed.

 

A country should not be forced to change who and what it is, or for that matter be forced by others to change its name under any condition at all, including whether that be for European integration. The effects of this concerning current political tensions which Macedonia is battling with, emphasises the influences which past events in correlation with political tensions have on contemporary issues and prejudices, and more importantly on prolonging them, rather than coming to an equitable solution.

 

So then, if Macedonia does indeed change its name and constitution under such external and indeed internal pressures, this will not only affect the identity politics of Macedonian people currently living there but will also affect how those are identified within the diaspora. This is not just about improving Macedonia’s standards, but it’s about the continual oppression and manipulation of one specific ethnic group and nation, and a failure in recognising and giving justice to those genocide survivors and their families from 72 years ago. And in the context of needing to break barriers, despite being continually disregarded and silenced, the infamous quote of “nevertheless she persisted” elucidates to the reality that, so too, will majka Makedonija (mother Macedonia).

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The views of the author may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Macedonian Diaspora and Generation M.

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UMD Voice

UMD Voice Interview: Fleming Stojanovski, CEO of One of Australia’s Top 100 Accounting Firms

34351-CAAA-Fleming Stojanovski

The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD)’s Generation M Global Co-Chair Kristina Dimitrievski was delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Fleming Stojanovski, an Australian-Macedonian, operating one of Australia’s Top 100 Accounting firms called Commercial Associates (CAAA) for UMD Voice magazine. Fleming’s family emigrated to Denmark from Macedonia in 1968, and then to Australia in 1973. His family has visited Macedonia several times, and like many Macedonians, he has widespread opinions on the country today, its place in the world and the status of Macedonians abroad.

Tell me about yourself: you grew up in Australia? When did your family leave Macedonia/go to Australia? 

My family migrated to Australia from Denmark in 1973. I was born in Copenhagen in 1972 where my parents had migrated in 1968. Like many migrant families we tried to return to Macedonia several times, but the realities of communist Yugoslavia saw us come back to the sandy shores of Australia on both occasions.

Do you still have family connections living in Macedonia that you keep in touch with? 

Most of my family is in Australia and Scandinavia, but in recent times some our retired elders have decided to go back to Macedonia, and yes, I love staying in touch by social media mostly.

What role/impact did your Macedonian heritage have on you while growing up? What do Macedonia and your Macedonian heritage mean to you?

We really have had a blessed life in Australia, but that does not mean it was perfect. Growing up as a migrant in 1970s Australia was not without its challenges, but we took solace in our culture, faith and community. We are all defined by what we do, but it’s our heritage and upbringing that gives us our boundaries and sense of right or wrong. Our heritage is my compass.

What has been your biggest inspiration or motivation as you have pursued your career and built such a successful accounting firm in such a short time? 

CAAA was founded in the egalitarian principle that no one should be precluded from getting outstanding advice on the basis of price. So I went about building an accounting and advisory firm to rival many of our national and international competitors, but one which is accessible to ordinary people. I have a lot of respect for Erin Brockovich and people like her, who along with my family were my major motivators.

What does it mean for you that your company was listed by The Australian Financial Review as one of the top 100 Australian accounting firms? What is your 5-year, 10-year, long-term plan for the company?

Whilst such accolades are not why we do what we do, I am happy that my team has been recognised for its achievements. Over the next 5-10 years we will continue to develop the firm as a credible alternative to our international competitors and expand with a national footprint ourselves. Having said that, I could see myself “working” from a cozy office in Bitola someday…

What advice would you give to a young Macedonian pursuing the same career path as you?

Put your phone down, put your tablet away, take the headphones out of your ears and connect with the people around you. What I do is personal and it’s about people, their goals and problems, and what we can do to help. A good education is important but the mentorship of good professionals is mandatory if you want to be the best you can be. So when that first work opportunity presents itself think more about mentorship and opportunity rather than money…..because financial rewards will follow.

Why did you choose to become a supporter of UMD? How important do you feel the work of UMD is? Do you see the diaspora as playing a key role in Macedonia’s future success?

UMD has always presented itself as an organised and thoughtful organisation. A consistent and coherent voice often surrounded by the rhetoric and noise of ill-informed or ignorant others… UMD definitely has a role not only for what it can achieve but also for the example it sets to other Macedonian advocacy groups.

What are impactful ways you think members of the Macedonian diaspora can give back to their homeland? And how do you feel about the proposed name change?

On both points, I can only answer for myself. But a program that places young Macedonians in work placements abroad would be a good way to give back by valuable mentorship – perhaps you are already doing this?*

 

On the name issue, I feel that as a Macedonian I have a right to an opinion on the matter, but am mindful that live on the other side of the world in a successful and stable western democracy, far removed from the day to day struggles of the average Macedonian in Macedonia.

 

In short, I am personally opposed to the name change, and the rationale for the change in every way.

 

However, the question remains who should decide? The wider diaspora or the Macedonians of Macedonia?

*Editor’s Note: Check out our internship program with Birthright Macedonia.

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The views of the author may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Macedonian Diaspora and Generation M.