PRIME MINISTER 21/ 92
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. KEATING MP
YUGOSLAVIAN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
The Australian Government is acutely conscious of the
sensitivities that are involved in relation to the question
of the recognition of what is presently known as the
Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia.
From the point of view of the people living in this and
other parts of the region, and their friends and relatives
abroad, we understand and symnpathise with their struggle to
fulfil their legitimate aspirations for democracy and
independence. We are concerned at the continuing human
suffering which exists in the former Yugoslavia, and are
totally supportive of the efforts within the EC and the UN
to bring about a lasting peace.
From the point of view of Greece, and the Greek community in
Australia, the question of the recognition of the
Yugoslavian republic known as Macedonia creates a number of
problems which do not exist in relation to other present or
former Yugoslavian republics.
Greek concerns include:
the use of the name " Macedonia", with all its
historical and cultural associations with ancient
Macedonia; doubts about Skopje's commitment to accepting the
scovereignty and inviolability of the whole of
present day Greece; and
the question of the protection of minorities, in
particular the Albanians who boycotted the 1991
independence referendum.
Australia will not proceed to recognition until these basic:
outstanding questions are resolved:
the use of the word " Macedonia" being settled in a
way that does not cause further tension with
Greece; Greece's concern about possible territorial claims
or aspirations being fully met; and
the international community's concern about the
protection of minorities being fully satisfied.
We are aware of divided opinion on these issues in Europe
and of efforts to find a mutually acceptable outcome between
Athens and Skopje.
Australia is firmly of the view that the recognition issue
should be determined in a way which avoids creating new
tensions in a region already undergoing such rapid change.
CANBERRA 3 March 1992