WOLLONGONG -- One of the biggest marches here in recent years occurred on Sunday, July 12. As part of an international day of protest, 4000 people marched down the main street of Wollongong to show their support for the recognition of an independent Macedonia.

The local Macedonian church supported the protest, the first time the church has entered into this campaign. The march was complete with a sky banner towed behind a plane, demanding “Recognise Macedonian Independence Now”.

Macedonians around the world are continuing their peaceful campaign for recognition of their sovereignty. Despite this patient campaign, the European Community, at the behest of Greece, still demands that Macedonia change its name before recognition is granted. Severe shortages of food, medicines and fuel worsen as the Serbian-Greek blockade surrounding Macedonia continues. Grave fears are held that the current war in Bosnia-Hercegovina will spill over into Macedonia next.

Speakers at the march linked the Macedonian struggle with the campaigns of some 400 oppressed groups throughout the world who seek liberation, pointing to the dangerous precedent being set by the European Community.

In response to the Federal Labor government's silence to date, the march called upon Prime Minister Keating to uphold the principles of freedom, democracy and self-determination by granting immediate recognition of Macedonian independence.

The march also stressed that the Macedonian community in Australia does not wish to engage in any disharmony with the Greek community. Greeks were called upon to respect the rights of Macedonians in Australia in the same way that Greek rights to language, religion, culture and ethnic identity are supported by Macedonians. [Balkan war could spread: page 18.]

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