MACEDONIA AND ITS WEST

Interethnic relations in Macedonia

AIM, July 4, 1995

For a long time now, Western Macedonia has been a metaphor which to some symbolizes the possibility of joint life between the Albanians and the Macedonias in this space, and for the others a permanent threat to the existence of Macedonia. And as concerning the present situation in this part of the Republic of Macedonia, concerning interethnic relations, only those who are naive or are fond of gossip can afford to call themselves "seismologists". What is evident in Western Macedonia where the persentage of the Albanians is either predominant or quite high, is the fact that a lot should be done there without further delay. What must primarily be done is to adopt certain systematic laws which regulate life in local communities, such as the one on local administration which will regulate the use of language of ethnic groups in this space, but also a series of other issues which affect fundamental human and ethnic rights. Lack of legaslature is the factor which affects increase of interethnic tensions in Macedonia the most. While the Albanians are slowly losing patience (which is best reflected on intraparty controversies of the most powerful Albanian party, the party of Democratic Prosperity /PDP/, seated in Tetovo), some political parties of the Macedonian national block seem to be disappointed with democracy and multiparty system which imposes a new way of division of power.

It is quite understandable that interethnic relations in Macedonia are affected by everything that is happening in this central Balkan space, but most of all by what is happening in former Yu space. Recognition of force as a way for resolving ethnic problems and impotence of the international community to prevent the war in the Balkans (the war in B&H and in Croatia going on for several years) - increases nervousness in Macedonia. The disposition of the Albanians in Macedonia is directly affected by what is happening in Kosovo and it would not be realistic to expect of them to be indifferent concerning the destiny of their compatriots who live there. Introduction of passports for crossing the frontier with the FR of Yugoslavia by the Macedonian Government affected the Albanians the most since they have relatives living across the border. All this increases nervousness and the possibilities of raising interethnic tensions. In the circumstances in which a large number of the Macedonians believe that their Albanian compatriots live with their eyes turned towards Albania and Kosovo, it is not impossible that even a small spark might start an enormous fire.

Claims that deviations from the concept of a civic system in this multiethnic, multireligious and multicultural state are founded most of all in the impotence of the authorities to ease the interethnic tensions. Former so much praised "wise policy' of President Kiro Gligorov is nowadays increasingly becoming close to the single-national concept shared by all the parties with a firm Macedonian national prefix. Perhaps such policy of "sweet promises" without any major results forced the Albanian parties to reconsider alliance with those who were once bitter "enemies", such as the VMRO-DPMNE.

It seems that this expressedly "Albanophobic" opposition party realized that it could not forever count on its anti-Albanianism as its trump card, especially when it has become clear that this card cannot bring any positive points internationally, but on the contrary... The coalition Government with four Albanian ministers in it seems to be on its deathbed. If not on its deathbed, then quite surely lagging behind so that even the slighest false step can jeopardize its existence. The fear of the Government people of faster and more resolute changes of legislation which concerns the sphere of interethnic relations is the stumbling block which may cost young Prime Minister Crvenkovski a lot. Without sufficient courage to satisfy even some of the justified demands of the Albanians, the Government of Macedonia provided those Albanian political factions which were against the coalition with a lot of arguments in favour of their ideas. It is not realistic to expect from this Government consisting of young members without old mortgages to solve all the inherited problems from the previous period of developing "brotherhood and unity", but it is quite certain that there is a lack of political will even to begin resolving issues which are easy to resolve, such as those from the sphere of education, usage of language and others.

Therefore, while UNPREDEL and American soldiers are roaming around Macedonia, the citizens of this state live with a fear of what the next day may bring, especially in view of the fact that the economy is facing complete collapse. Macedonia nowadays resembles a waiting room where everybody is waiting for what they wish for: the wise ones that wisdom will prevail over folly and that all will become aware that Macedonia is too small a state to have "majorities and minorities" but certainly spacious enough for all its citizens to live happily in it, but also the others who are certainly waiting for the right minute to sound their trumpets of folly. While the citizens are afraid of the next day, the officials act as if they have all the time in world. There are also rumours about serious quarrels among political partners, and disagreements between President Gligorov and Prime Minister Crvenkovski. Even major conflicts which could cause downfall of the Government are not considered impossible. Political lobbies abundantly use rumours that Gligorov is rapidly losing confidence and respectability of the international political public. Especially after the developments in Tetovo and concerning multiethnic relations, since the disproportion between his "sweet rhetoric" and its effects are becoming quite obvious.

Therefore, Western Macedonia still remains a metaphor with double meaning. In the meantime, the wise are doing wise things, and the others are doing what they know best: increasing interethnic tensions, as if they have not learnt the lesson of B&H. All things considered, the danger has not been completely avoided, despite the fact that members of the UNPREDEL are walking around Macedonia. Everybody knows that as much as international recognition may be important for Macedonia, just as important is its internal peace and interethnic trust which will enable everybody to feel at home. This will enable remnoval from the scene of those who are dreaming to become generals on account of other people's misfortune.

KIM MEHMETI