of the United States and Canada
September 20th, 2024
Attention: Editors of the Koridor 8 podcast
Dear Editors,
On behalf of the Central Committee of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the United States and Canada (MPO), we would like to express our appreciation for your interest in exploring the history and present activities of the MPO. However, we must address certain misconceptions and inappropriate language that were conveyed during episode 78 of your podcast (Reference: Online Podcast "Коридор 8 - еп. 78 - МПО - 100 години подоцна", broadcasted on June 26, 2022). These issues are of serious concern and are not acceptable to our organization. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify our position and correct any misunderstandings:
1. The MPO is the oldest Macedonian organization in the United States and Canada, established in 1922 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by Macedonian Bulgarian immigrants, for the benefit of all Macedonians. The organization has promoted the concept of an independent Macedonian state that guarantees rights and freedoms for all its citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, carrying for over a century the slogan of the Macedonian Liberation Movement “Macedonian for the Macedonians.”
2. For the MPO, a “Macedonian” is a native or descendant from any of the ethnic groups within the historic and geographic borders of Macedonia. The unifying factors are our common Macedonian consciousness and the ideal of freedom, human rights, and liberties for all Macedonians. Therefore, today the MPO unites both Macedonian Bulgarians and ethnic Macedonians—as well as anyone else that consider themselves Macedonian in one way or another—to mutually acknowledge and enjoy our common Macedonian culture and heritage.
3. The contemporary MPO is a US based organization that continues to operate independently of any government or country, uniting all people with a Macedonian heritage and celebrating, promoting, and advancing our common culture, customs, and traditions. It continues to work for human, civil, and economic rights for all Macedonians worldwide and for the cultural and social growth of our youth.
4. As North American Macedonians, we understand that the verbal and physical battles occurring in North Macedonia and Bulgaria feed the hatred amongst the extremists in our diaspora as well and this harms all of us. Fortunately, most ethnic Macedonians and Macedonian Bulgarians in our North American diaspora do get along and many of us are related.
5. We North Americans know that hatred only breeds more hatred and violence and believe we can resolve our differences with respectful, sincere, honest and civil negotiations and discussions.
6. The MPO firmly opposes all forms of hate speech—whether expressed through words, writing, or actions —that target or discriminate against individuals or groups based on their identity.
7. Therefore, the MPO unequivocally condemns and distances itself from the hateful language and derogatory remarks made during the podcast by two members of the MPO “Pirin” chapter in Chicago. We strongly reject the dehumanizing language directed at our ethnic Macedonian brothers and sisters, including terms such as "Titovites" and "Makedonisti." Furthermore, we denounce the slanderous statements aimed at the esteemed MPO "Fatherland" chapter in Detroit, which represents some of our most loyal and patriotic members and supporters. Such hateful rhetoric, expressed by members of the MPO “Pirin” chapter and broadcasted on the Koridor 8 podcast, inflicts personal harm and incites hostility. It is an attack on the principles of inclusion, diversity, and human rights, and stands in direct opposition to the values that the Macedonian Patriotic Organization upholds.
The Central Committee of the MPO has formally notified and cautioned the MPO "Pirin" chapter regarding the unacceptable behavior exhibited by two of their members. In response, the chapter has reaffirmed that it does not condone such actions and has committed to taking proactive steps to prevent future occurrences.
Additionally, the MPO has initiated a disciplinary inquiry to address the matter at hand.
These actions reflect the MPO's commitment to upholding its core values of respect, unity, and integrity.
Sincerely,
Nick Stefanoff, President
Macedonian Patriotic Organization
of the Unites States and Canada
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