The Macedonian National Council has responded to the initiative in Novi Sad, Serbia, concerning the commemoration of “Mother Macedonia.” The Council views this event as a cultural forum designed to celebrate the shared cultural symbols of a single nation and to acknowledge the right of various nations to preserve and interpret their joint historical heritage. The core principle articulated is that cultural memory should serve as a symbol of national identity and a catalyst for dialogue, rather than becoming a source of division. For the global Macedonian diaspora, this symbol represents a crucial recognition of their deep-rooted traditions and cultural heritage.
The Council explicitly clarifies that emphasizing the Macedonian people’s narrative through this symbol is in no way intended to negate or deny the rights of other groups to interpret and safeguard their shared historical patrimony. The focus, according to the Council, must remain cultural. The commemoration is framed as an affirmation of cultural continuity, not a political declaration.
They assert that the preservation of cultural memory is fundamentally about identity recognition. Therefore, the observance should be understood as an act of cultural affirmation, distinct from any territorial or geopolitical claims. The Council stresses that this act of remembrance is intended to foster understanding and mutual respect among peoples with overlapping historical connections.
Topics: #not #memory #national
