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Undid revision 861645438 by 77.29.22.217 (talk) Stop edit-warring.
Removing false info. I am not edit warring, just removing false stuff.There is a clear argument for this in the Talk page, with the original source, that contradicts this paragraph. The referendum is on Sunday and a lot of media organizations will be reporting on it and reading this article. It should not contain false info that were distributed as propaganda during the campaign.
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===No/Boycott===
===No/Boycott===
The main opposition party [[VMRO-DPMNE]] has threatened to boycott the referendum and considers the deal with [[Greece]] to be an act of treason. It has also organized protests against the name change.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macedonia-greece-name/more-than-1000-macedonians-protest-countrys-name-change-idUSKBN1JJ165</ref> However, in early September, only weeks before the referendum, a cable revealed by [[WikiLeaks]] showed, that the 2008 VMRO-DPMNE government was willing to accept the name Republic of Northern Macedonia, provided it included the recognition of the [[Macedonian language]] and [[nationality]], i.e by equal, as the contemporary conditions. That proposal was rejected then by Greece, revealed the cable from the US embassy in the Republic of Macedonia.<ref>[https://euobserver.com/tickers/142722 Wikileaks: FYROM would have accepted new name in 2008. 04.09.2018, EUOBSERVER.]</ref> On September 23, [[President of Macedonia|Macedonia's President]] [[Gorge Ivanov]], who was elected as a candidate of the VMRO-DPMNE, decried the agreement, calling on his compatriots to boycott the vote.<ref>https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/macedonia-president-urges-boycott-change-referendum-180923142638198.html</ref>
The main opposition party [[VMRO-DPMNE]] has threatened to boycott the referendum and considers the deal with [[Greece]] to be an act of treason. It has also organized protests against the name change.<ref>https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macedonia-greece-name/more-than-1000-macedonians-protest-countrys-name-change-idUSKBN1JJ165</ref> On September 23, [[President of Macedonia|Macedonia's President]] [[Gorge Ivanov]], who was elected as a candidate of the VMRO-DPMNE, decried the agreement, calling on his compatriots to boycott the vote.<ref>https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/macedonia-president-urges-boycott-change-referendum-180923142638198.html</ref>


There are tensions that the position of the VMRO-DPMNE is encouraged by [[Russia]].<ref>Tensions grow before biggest secret is revealed: FYROM’s new name.[https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/tensions-grow-before-biggest-secret-is-revealed-fyroms-new-name/ Jan 18, 2018, EURACTIV.com.]</ref> The U.S. Defense Secretary [[Jim Mattis]], accused Russia of financing a campaigns to undermine the referendum. Meanwhile many anti-referendum IT trolls appeared that are said to be urging [[Republic of Macedonia|Macedonians]] to boycott the vote. The "no" lobby banks on a boycott, that could render the referendum result meaningless. An anonymous source in VMRO-DPMNE party’s leadership, has alleged that the party's position is organized by pro-Russian forces, and is paid by the [[Russia|Russians]].<ref>Updated: Largest Opposition Party in Macedonia is Not Boycotting Name Referendum. [https://www.polygraph.info/a/fact-check-macedonia-name-change-boycott/29486644.html September 17, 2018, POLYGRAPH.info.]</ref> Russia is opposed to any [[NATO]] enlargement on the [[Balkans]].<ref>US and Russia battle it out in Macedonian referendum.[https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/world/2018-09-17-us-and-russia-battle-it-out-in-macedonian-referendum/ 17 September 2018, Sunday Times].</ref>
There are tensions that the position of the VMRO-DPMNE is encouraged by [[Russia]].<ref>Tensions grow before biggest secret is revealed: FYROM’s new name.[https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement/news/tensions-grow-before-biggest-secret-is-revealed-fyroms-new-name/ Jan 18, 2018, EURACTIV.com.]</ref> The U.S. Defense Secretary [[Jim Mattis]], accused Russia of financing a campaigns to undermine the referendum. Meanwhile many anti-referendum IT trolls appeared that are said to be urging [[Republic of Macedonia|Macedonians]] to boycott the vote. The "no" lobby banks on a boycott, that could render the referendum result meaningless. An anonymous source in VMRO-DPMNE party’s leadership, has alleged that the party's position is organized by pro-Russian forces, and is paid by the [[Russia|Russians]].<ref>Updated: Largest Opposition Party in Macedonia is Not Boycotting Name Referendum. [https://www.polygraph.info/a/fact-check-macedonia-name-change-boycott/29486644.html September 17, 2018, POLYGRAPH.info.]</ref> Russia is opposed to any [[NATO]] enlargement on the [[Balkans]].<ref>US and Russia battle it out in Macedonian referendum.[https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/world/2018-09-17-us-and-russia-battle-it-out-in-macedonian-referendum/ 17 September 2018, Sunday Times].</ref>

Revision as of 23:19, 28 September 2018

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A referendum will be held in the Republic of Macedonia on 30 September 2018, with voters asked "Do you support EU and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Greece?"[1][2] It is related to the 27-year long dispute between Republic of Macedonia and Greece over the former's name and follows an agreement with Greece on the issue which has prevented the accession of Macedonia to the European Union and NATO.[3] The government has already started a social media campaign about the issue of the referendum.[4] The referendum result will be valid if turnout of eligible voters is over 50 percent. Being non-binding, as well as including constitutional changes, its result will still need to be approved by two-thirds of parliament.[5]

Background

Following Macedonia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, successive Greek governments have claimed that the country's name implied territorial claims on Greek Macedonia and have objected to the use of "Macedonia" by the new state. It was admitted to the United Nations in 1993 as "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" (FYROM)[6], while most countries have recognised the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.

Repeated attempts at negotiation for a composite name failed for 27 years. However, in 2018, high-level contacts between the governments of the two countries intensified, with the Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Bujar Osmani visiting Athens for the name talks on 9 January,[7] and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev meeting with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland on 24 January.[8][9][10] In the Davos meeting, the first of its kind in seven years, there appeared to be some resolution between the two leaders to end the naming dispute and to improve the relations between the two countries. Zaev subsequently agreed to take initiatives that would soothe Greek concerns over antiquisation policies, while Tsipras agreed to consent to Macedonia's bid to join regional initiatives or agreements.

On 12 June 2018, Tsipras announced that he had reached an agreement with Zaev "which covers all the preconditions set by the Greek side".[11] The proposal would result in the Republic of Macedonia being renamed the Republic of North Macedonia (Template:Lang-mk), with the new name being used for all purposes.[12] Zaev announced that the deal includes recognition of the Macedonian language in the United Nations and that the citizens of the country will be called, as before, Macedonians. However, there would also be an explicit clarification that the citizens of the country are not related to the ancient Macedonians.[13][14] "The agreement once and for always confirms and strengthens the Macedonian ethnic and cultural identity, the Macedonian language, the Macedonian nationality. It guarantees the security of the country and provides a secure future for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia", Zaev said.[15] These changes will be put to a referendum for citizens of the Republic of Macedonia in the autumn of 2018. In addition to changing the name of the country, the referendum will remove references to the "Macedonian people" from the constitution which imply an ancient heritage.[16][17] Additionally, the agreement stipulates the removal of the Vergina Sun from public use in the Republic of Macedonia and the formation of a committee for the review of school textbooks and maps in both countries for the removal of irredentist content and to align them with UNESCO and Council of Europe's standards.[18] The agreement was signed at Lake Prespa, a body of water which is divided among Macedonia, Greece and Albania.

Parliament paved the way for the referendum by ratifying the agreement for a second time early July.[19] After a month long delay by the opposition party VMRO-DPMNE to slow down the referendum preparation by not appointing members to the State Election Commission the parliament has finally agreed end of July on a new composition.[20][21]

Question

The text of the question to be put to voters will be:

Are you in favour of European Union and NATO membership by accepting the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?[22]

Endorsements

Yes

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and the government coalition started an online campaign for a Yes vote in the referendum. Many high-ranked officials and EU leaders have expressed their support for the "Yes" option as it would bring Macedonia closer to EU and NATO and have visited the Republic of Macedonia ahead of the referendum. Among those who visited the country in support of the referendum are Angela Merkel[23] and Sebastian Kurz,[24] Chancellors of Germany and Austria respectively, as well as Jim Mattis,[25] the US Defense Secretary, and Jens Stoltenberg, the North Atlantic alliance's chief,[26] encouraged the people of Macedonia to vote in favor of the new name.[27]

No/Boycott

The main opposition party VMRO-DPMNE has threatened to boycott the referendum and considers the deal with Greece to be an act of treason. It has also organized protests against the name change.[28] On September 23, Macedonia's President Gorge Ivanov, who was elected as a candidate of the VMRO-DPMNE, decried the agreement, calling on his compatriots to boycott the vote.[29]

There are tensions that the position of the VMRO-DPMNE is encouraged by Russia.[30] The U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, accused Russia of financing a campaigns to undermine the referendum. Meanwhile many anti-referendum IT trolls appeared that are said to be urging Macedonians to boycott the vote. The "no" lobby banks on a boycott, that could render the referendum result meaningless. An anonymous source in VMRO-DPMNE party’s leadership, has alleged that the party's position is organized by pro-Russian forces, and is paid by the Russians.[31] Russia is opposed to any NATO enlargement on the Balkans.[32]

Opinion polls

Date(s) conducted Yes No Undecided Will not vote Error margin Sample Conducted by Method
June 28-July 15, 2018 49% 22% 13% 16% ± 3.0% 1100 respondents aged 18 and over IRI Face-to-face interviews
July 24-August 1, 2018 41.5% 35.1% 9.2% 12.4% ± 3.1% 1026 likely voters MCIC Computer-assisted telephone interview

Results

Choice Votes %
For
Against
Invalid/blank votes –
Total 100
Registered voters/turnout
Source: SEC

References

  1. ^ Macedonia sets Sept. 30 as date for referendum on the name deal with Greece Channel NewsAsia, 30 July 2018
  2. ^ http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonia-sets-name-referendum-for-september-07-30-2018
  3. ^ Macedonia, Greece Sign 'Historic' Name Deal Balkan Insight, 17 June 2018
  4. ^ Macedonia Govt Starts 'Name' Referendum Campaign Balkan Insight, 2 July 2018
  5. ^ http://www.eurasiareview.com/23092018-no-disputing-macedonia-is-at-a-watershed-moment-analysis/
  6. ^ "United Nations Security Council Resolution 817" (PDF).
  7. ^ "Macedonian Deputy PM In Athens For Talks On Name Dispute". RFERL. Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  8. ^ "Greece and FYROM PMs to meet over 'Macedonia' name dispute". Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  9. ^ "PMs to meet after 'Macedonia' name dispute rally in Greece". Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  10. ^ "Tsipras and Zaev unblock Euro-integration process". Retrieved 24 January 2018.
  11. ^ "'We have a deal,' Greek PM says over FYROM name row | Kathimerini". ekathimerini.com. Η Καθημερινή. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Greece ends 27-year Macedonia name row". BBC News. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  13. ^ "Republic of North Macedonia with Macedonian language and identity, says Greek media". Meta.mk. Meta. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Κλείδωσε το «Βόρεια Μακεδονία» - Το διάγγελμα Τσίπρα για τη συμφωνία (Agreed on «Northern Macedonia» - Tsipra's speech to the nation about the deal)". kathimerini.gr (in gr). Kathimerini. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018. Την ίδια στιγμή -και ίσως αυτό να έχει τη μεγαλύτερη ιστορική βαρύτητα και αξία για την Ελλάδα- στη Συμφωνία που καταλήξαμε, για πρώτη φορά προβλέπεται ότι οι Βόρειοι Γείτονές μας δεν έχουν και δεν μπορούν να διεκδικήσουν στο μέλλον καμία σχέση με τον αρχαίο ελληνικό πολιτισμό της Μακεδονίας. Ο όρος Μακεδόνας της ελληνικής ιστορικής κληρονομιάς, ο οποίος έλκει την καταγωγή του από τον αρχαίο ελληνικό πολιτισμό διαχωρίζεται ρητά και κατηγορηματικά από τον όρο Μακεδόνας όπως τον χρησιμοποιούν και στη βάση του οποίου αυτοπροσδιορίζονται οι πολίτες της γειτονικής μας χώρας.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  15. ^ "Zaev:We made a deal - Republic of North Macedonia, with Macedonian language and Macedonian identity". kajgana.com (in Macedonian). Кајгана. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  16. ^ "Zaev:The agreement is Republic of North Macedonia". dw.com/mk (in Macedonian). DW. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Severna Macedonia is born: Athens and Skopje announce 'name' deal". aljazeera. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  18. ^ "Also the «Sun of Vergina» is being lost: what the agreement (original: Χάνεται και «ο Ηλιος της Βεργίνας»: Τι ορίζει η συμφωνία για το σήμα)". Crash Online. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  19. ^ Macedonia MPs ratify Greece deal, paving way for referendum Rappler, 6 July 2018
  20. ^ Macedonia Opposition Puts ‘Name’ Referendum at Risk Balkan Insight, 10 July 2018
  21. ^ Macedonia Starts Work on Referendum Preparations Balkan Insight, 26 July 2018
  22. ^ "Macedonia sets question for name referendum". Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  23. ^ "Merkel Urges Macedonians To Vote For Name Change, Possibility For EU, NATO Membership". Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  24. ^ "Kurz will visit Macedonia to support the referendum on 7th of September". Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  25. ^ "U.S. Defense Secretary warns of Russian meddling in Macedonia referendum". Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  26. ^ "Stoltenberg and Kurz in Macedonia before Merkel". Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  27. ^ "West in Diplomatic Push to Boost Macedonia Referendum". Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  28. ^ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macedonia-greece-name/more-than-1000-macedonians-protest-countrys-name-change-idUSKBN1JJ165
  29. ^ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/macedonia-president-urges-boycott-change-referendum-180923142638198.html
  30. ^ Tensions grow before biggest secret is revealed: FYROM’s new name.Jan 18, 2018, EURACTIV.com.
  31. ^ Updated: Largest Opposition Party in Macedonia is Not Boycotting Name Referendum. September 17, 2018, POLYGRAPH.info.
  32. ^ US and Russia battle it out in Macedonian referendum.17 September 2018, Sunday Times.
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