Introduction
There have been provocations and false questions in discussions regarding the status and independence of the region known as Macedonia. These often arise from misunderstandings or misrepresentations of historical and political realities. This discourse aims to clarify the situation and debunk the false notion that Greece or Bulgaria should give independence to North Macedonia, as Serbia did in 1991 with Vardarska.
Greek Region of Macedonia
The region of Macedonia in Greece is predominantly populated by Greeks. This area, located in the northern part of Greece, is self-governed and not under occupation. The term 'North Macedonia' is a separate and independent country, demarcated from the Greek region. The division is clear, and each entity operates within its sovereign boundaries.
Historical Context
During the regional conflicts and political upheavals post-World War II, parts of Greece's historical regions, including Macedonia, were redrew for political and ethnic reasons. The population in the Greek region identified as Greek, and no significant demographic changes altered their status as part of Greece. Similarly, Bulgaria's region, Blagoevgrad (considered Pirin Macedonia), is predominantly populated by Bulgarians.
North Macedonia and its Independence
The term 'North Macedonia' is not a region within Greece or Bulgaria but a fully independent nation. It gained its independence following the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. While traditionally associated with the historical region of Macedonia, this new state is a sovereign entity with its own defined borders and government.
It is important to note that the traditional name 'Yugoslavia' is indeed outdated. The country was a federal republic comprising multiple republics, each of which had its own distinct identity and administration. The concept of Yugoslavia post-dated the individual entities that emerged from it, such as North Macedonia, Serbia, and others.
The Historical and Ethnical Divide
The argument that Greece or Bulgaria should give the land back to "Macedonians" is based on a misconception. The people in the Greek region of Macedonia have always identified as Greeks, and there is no historical precedent or legal basis for suggesting they should be removed from their current homeland. Similarly, the region in Bulgaria, while having a majority of Bulgarian inhabitants, is not under any foreign occupation and is administratively part of Bulgaria.
Conclusion
Macedonia, as it is now known, has its own clear and defined status as an independent nation governed by its own laws and policies. Any suggestion that Greece or Bulgaria should give land back to an "invented new state" is neither justified nor supported by historical or contemporary facts. The regions within Greece and Bulgaria are integral parts of their respective countries and have no basis in international law or historical precedent to warrant a reconsideration of their status.
For a deeper understanding and accurate information, it is advisable to consult reliable historical and geopolitical resources rather than relying on disputed or speculative claims.