The Republican Congressman from California and chairman of the House Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia, Dana Rohrabacher, apologized for his recent, controversial statement given in an interview for “Vizion Plus” from Tirana where he said that Macedonia should be divided.
In an official statement, he said that Macedonia is a legitimate country with the right of self-determination and sanctity of borders.
“My comment alluded, perhaps inartfully, to my concern with internal governing challenges that Macedonia faces concerning ethnic minorities. I am in no way suggesting that anyone except Macedonians determine the sovereign status or borders of their country. If my words were taken to mean anything else, I apologize.” said Rohrabacher in his statement.
He paid respect to the positive relation that USA has with Macedonia and stressed that Macedonia is a true friend of USA.
I have had the opportunity to meet many Americans (and Macedonians) who have provided me with very useful input on the region’s history and current dynamics. I look forward to working together with them in the future and, most importantly, to continuing to do my part to help shape U.S. foreign policy so that it encourages a peaceful, prosperous and free Balkans, said Rohrabacher.
Ten days ago, in an interview for the Albanian press, Rohrabacher, said that Macedonia is not a country. I’m sorry, but it is not a country. The Kosovars and the Albanians in Macedonia should be a part of Kosovo. The other part of Macedonia should be a part of Bulgaria or any other country that will claim it. The idea is that we should retain Macedonia as a country because 30 years ago someone decided it is the best reconfiguration that has come out of the dissolution of Yugoslavia, and that doesn’t bring us to a justification that this idea should last – said Rohrabacher.
