Macedonia row to threaten bid for seat on Security Council

MACEDONIA’S vote on Australia’s bid for a UN Security Council seat will hinge on how the Rudd government responds to an official complaint over a pro-Greek speech given by South Australian Premier Mike Rann.

The Macedonian embassy in Canberra will today lodge a formal protest over the speech in which Mr Rann accused Macedonia of stealing Greek history and culture and its President, Gjorge Ivanov, of “stirring up trouble” with its neighbour. Mr Rann made the remarks in November.

Macedonian ambassador Pero Stojanovski said he was seeking a formal explanation and apology.

Asked if Mr Rann’s comments could affect Macedonia’s vote in the UN on Australia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, Mr Stojanovski said: “The answer to this question would greatly depend on the official response by the Australian government.”

Mr Rann was unrepentant yesterday. “I totally stand by my comments . . . absolutely no apologies whatsoever,” he said.