Visiting the embassy


 We went to US embassy in Skopje for the second time today. The new (10+ year old) building is set on a hill overlooking the city. It is a big white box of a building from the exterior. It looks like a modern fortress just down the street for a REAL 6th century fortress.  



When we visited last week, we arrived by taxi and were looked over by two armed security guards who directed us to a bullet proof window where we needed to present an ID. The next crew of guards kept our IDs and handed us red clip-on badges that read"guest". From there we were admitted into the room next door where we faced electronic security and more guards. We were given a key to a small locker where we were required to store our cell phones for the duration of our visit. (Unfortunately, I had put all my questions for the embassy folks in my phone, which I could no longer access).  Finally, we were greeted by a member of the diplomatic staff, , and escorted into a vast , bright, white hall three stories high adorned with a collection of US and local  Macedonian modern art. We met with a lovely foreign service officer who deals with public diplomacy.. She offered us US snacks (I swooned for the Diet Coke) 

Because Macedonian is an ethnicity (but not the ONLY ethnicity here), language that does not offend can be tricky. She explained the nomenclature of diplomacy in North Macedonia. 

YES: Macedonian citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia.

YES: North Macedonia's citizens 

NO: "Macedonian citizen", "North Macedonians "or "Northern Macedonians".

YES: ethnic Macedonians, ethnic Albanians, ethnic Serbs, etc.who all live here as citizens of North Macedonia

YES: MACEDONIAN food, culture, language

NO: North Macedonian food, culture language


Got it?? I hope there isn't a quiz later!

Macedonia also has friction with Greece, Bulgaria and Albania, all for different reasons.

Bulgaria claims that part of the geography of Macedonia is part of an ancient Bulgarian kingdom and that the Macedonian languages a dialect of Bulgarian.

Bulgaria also wants North Macedonia to put something in their constitution saying hat they will protect ethnic Bulgarians living in North Macedonia --- before Bulgaria  will agree to allow North Macedonia to enter the EU.  It is the final roadblock to EU accession. All other EU members have agreed to admit NoMac. 

Greece isn't thrilled that the country is named Macedonia because they think Macedonia is part of Greece.

And Albanians in North Macedonia are seen as lower class immigrants flooding over the border and are mostly Muslim. (sounds like the former president of the USA...)

Right now I feel like Rodney King "Can't we all just get along?"



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