MHRMI Calls on Macedonian Athletes to Refuse to Walk in Behind Letter "F" for "FYROM" at Rio Olympics

TORONTO, July 19, 2016 /CNW/ - The IOC will follow the UN and USA's directives and continue to violate the most basic of Macedonia's rights, and that is the right to use its own name. Yet again, Macedonian athletes will be forced to walk in behind the letter "F" for "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" at the Olympic opening ceremonies. (In Rio, it will be behind "A" for "Antiga" in Portuguese). Despite having recognized Macedonia, the United States is calling for Macedonia to change its name to appease Greece, the country that has admitted to initiating the artificial name dispute in order to wipe Macedonia off the map. Macedonia, itself, gives in to American scare-tactics and continues to participate in the farcical name negotiations.

So, Macedonian athletes, it's up to you. Join the list of international athletes who have taken a stand for common decency and human rights, and refuse to walk in behind the letter "F". You've worked so hard to make it to this stage to represent your country, not a made-up one called "FYROM". Walk in behind the letter M and tell the world that our name is, and has always been, Macedonia.

Olympic athletes from all countries, and others concerned about human rights, join MHRMI's call for Macedonian athletes to refuse to walk in behind the letter "F". The Olympic charter claims that "The practice of sport is a human right." So is using your own country's name. Our Name Is Macedonia. Demand that the IOC respects it.

Macedonian Human Rights Movement International (MHRMI) has been active on human and national rights issues for Macedonians and other oppressed peoples since 1986.

SOURCE Macedonian Human Rights Movement International

Bill Nicholov, President, MHRMI: 416-850-7125, [email protected], www.mhrmi.org, twitter.com/mhrmi, facebook.com/mhrmi, mhrmi.org/OurNameIsMacedonia