Proclamation of the Platform for Civic Action ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

AGAINST SLANDER, FOR DEFENDING THE REPUBLIC!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH – is the symbolic title of the civic action platform of 117 associations of citizens and foundations from Macedonia. It was established in June 2001 as a response to the war nightmare. The message was clear:

ENOUGH of war, ENOUGH of hatred, ENOUGH of ethnic, religious, party and social conflicts! We must preserve Macedonia, together, every one of us, its citizens!

Our activities did not end with the signing of the Ohrid Agreement. Peace cannot be achieved simply with a signature, peace must be built onto! Therefore, in March 2002, we organized ourselves again. We decided to publicly point out the issues upon which the future of Macedonia depends on:
- Fair and democratic elections
- Fight against corruption
- Decentralization of government
- Reduction of brain drainage
- Demilitarization of society.

Regretfully, we must conclude that these same issues are the reason why the current government attacks us brutally. The slanders and allegations are vigourous and the pressure is becoming stronger and stronger. Our legal activities are obstructed with violence. Our billboards calling upon civic responsibility are broken down. Our names and addresses are publicly announced as target lists!!!

Our duty is to send out the message again: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

The whole democratic world and every citizen in Macedonia are appalled by the insults against the non-governmental sector. Hence, we, the citizens of Macedonia, have been allegedly working against the state sovereignty of our own country!? We have been accused by the government of, allegedly, acting as the “fifth column”!? Who is, after all, the “fifth column”?

Just as a reminder: the phrase “fifth column” was used for the very first time by the fascist general Emilio Mola Vidal, referring to those who were working from the “inside” and helping the fascist troops in the liberal minded Madrid! And it happened! Franco’s fascism defeated the Republic!

Today, like then, the Republic is at stake, our country, the Republic of Macedonia! Thus, we are here to put things into perspective with these insulting labels we’ve been given. We are here to voice our message: the non-governmental sector demands fair and democratic elections, elimination of corruption, decentralization of government, reduction of the brain-drain, demilitarization of society, peace and a happier future for the citizens of Macedonia! The non-governmental sector will always be a partner to any government that works on accomplishing these democratic concepts!

And if this government does not like that, it can proceed with defaming us and using its mechanisms of using violence against its citizens. We have, however, overcome the fear. Ultimately, as in any democratic state, the government has two choices: either to be a partner with the non-governmental sector or feel the pressure of its citizens! As a response to the slanders and threats, we offer the single democratic reply: the Platform ENOUGH IS ENOUGH is transformed into a new movement – THE POWER IS WITHIN THE PEOPLE!