Conditions for Greece's Recognition of Macedonia

Regarding the front page article "Greeks Unite in Opposition to Independent Macedonia," June 24: I would like to bring to your attention the fact that the Greek views on the issue of the recognition of the former Yugoslav republic were adopted at the European Community summit meeting in Lisbon.

In a declaration issued by the European Council on June 27 on the situation in former Yugoslavia, the following position was taken on this issue:

"The European Council reiterates the position taken by the Community and its member states in Guimaraes [Portugal] on the request of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to be recognized as an independent state. It expresses its readiness to recognize that republic within its existing borders according to their Declaration on 16 December 1991 under a name which does not include the term Macedonia. It furthermore considers the borders of this republic as inviolable and guaranteed in accordance with t he principles of the UN Charter and the Charter of Paris."

After these developments, Greece is ready to recognize the new state as soon as it accepts the European Community's terms, and is eager to establish ties of cooperation for the benefit of those living in the troubled Balkan region. Marina Kasdaglis, Boston Press Attache, Consulate General of Greece

The article neglects to mention that since the turn of the 20th century, Greece has pursued an aggressive policy of territorial expansionism in the Balkans, by which it acquired its northermost region called "Macedonia" in 1913. Post-World War II iron rule of communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe served to restrain Greece's historical policy of aggression against its neighboring Balkan states. With the collapse of communism, Greece has resumed its policy of the pre-communist era by denying the

existence of an independent Macedonia.

By blocking the recognition of the Republic of Macedonia, except on the condition that the Macedonians relinquish their historical name, Greece contributes to the destabilization of the post-communist Balkan region. It is Greece's conduct which risks drawing other Balkan countries into a tragic conflict. Greece's intransigent stance on the issue cannot help but arouse the historically based suspicions of its neighbors that more than just a name is involved. Persida Zlatkov, New York The nomination game

The Opinion page article "Turn the Nomination Process on Its Head," June 23, is one of the best recipes for changing the presidential-election system I have seen. It would be an enormous improvement over the present archaic arrangement. I hope lots of the movers and shakers in the national legislative arena see this article and move to adopt the plan. John C. Pennell, West Hills, Calif.

At last - a viable solution to the presidential-nominating process. Along the same line, with a different twist, would be the following system: three national primaries and a general election - but have the public decide.

No one would "run" for the office; no one or group would sponsor or promote a candidate. In the May primary everyone eligible to vote would vote for anyone eligible to be president. (With computerization it would be possible.) The top 50 would be in the September primary, with voters pamphlets, interviews, etc., in the interim. The top 20 would be on the October ballot; the top five on the November ballot. First place, president; second place, vice president. Voila! Mari Murray, Boston