Re: [Marxism] Greek revolutionaries criticize pseudo-independence, call for real independence for Kosova Albanians

[Einde O'Callaghan <einde@xxxxxx>]

Ruthless Critic of All that Exists schrieb:
> On Sun, Mar 16, 2008 at 11:21 AM, Fred Feldman <ffeldman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
> 
>> `
>> IV Online magazine : IV398 - March 2008
>> Kosovo
>> A just solution requires multinational co-existence
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> Statement by the Greek
>> section of Fourth International OKDE-Spartakos
>>
>> Today, a real just solution for Kosovo comes through the restoration of
>> multinational co-existence (an aspiration that unfortunately has been lost
>> in most part) and the full respect of the rights of all ethnic groups and
>> minorities, including their right to define the level of their autonomy
>> and
>> self-defense.
> 
> 
> Should marxists make the same demand (multinational co-existence rather than
> secession) with regard to the Basques?
> 
A federal multi-national solution has been the position of revolutionary 
socialists in the Balkans since the end of teh 19th century because of 
the complex mixture of ethnic groups throughout the whole region, none 
of which inhabited a broadly contiguous territory without large numbers 
of members of other national groups. AFAIK this is still the case 
despite continual episodes of ethnic cleansing since the first Balkan 
War in 1911.

> If not, why not?

The Basque region is a compact territory which traditionally was without 
any significant national minorities. There are, of course, now many 
immigrants from other parts of Spain and further afield. I see no reason 
why the Basques region shouldn't have the RIGHT to self-determination - 
but of course as socialists we should demand that the new Basque state 
should respect the rights of immigrants into the area.

Whether in a particular situation we should support the exercise of the 
right to self-determination is another question. I don't know enough 
about the situation in the Basque Country or its relationship to the 
rest of Spain and the French Basque provinces to form an opinion on this 
matter. However, regardless, of our position, if the majority of the 
Basque people should decide to go for (real) independence I see no 
reason why revolutionary Marxists should actively oppose the exercise of 
self-determination.

Einde O'Callaghan

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