The PanMacedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria has issued a statement requesting that the Australian media stop referring to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as ‘Macedonia’.
In the statement, the association puts forward the claim that by insisting on using the term ‘Macedonia’, printed media, radio and television stations are attempting to rewrite “both history and politics against Australian foreign policy and international protocols”.
“It is with regret and concern that our Australian media blatantly ignores both domestic and international law and policy around the naming of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The constant use of the term ‘Macedonia’ instead of the United Nations, European Union and NATO ruling on the recognition of the FYROM demonstrates the contrary nature that our media are playing.”
The statement calls into question the integrity of journalists, claiming that the Australian Hellenic community is concerned with the media’s “false representation of this particular ethnic group, done so through the questionable writing skills and the ignorance of ethical and professional essence of journalism – that being to seek the truth and write factually”.
By using the term ‘Macedonia’, the association believes the Australian media is adding volatility to the stability that FYROM and Greece are attempting to maintain.
“Any further inappropriate use of the term ‘Macedonian’ should be considered through the appropriate historical and political lens.
“Journalists must stay true to journalistic ethical codes and follow both Australian foreign policy as well as international policy with regard to the naming of FYROM,” the statement concludes.
