Skopje, 16 March 2023 (MIA) - The Central Registry said Thursday it has decided to reject the application to rename association "Tsar Boris III" from Ohrid due to incomplete documentation submitted within the 30-day deadline.

The Central Registry says it will inform the Ministry of Justice on its decision.

Earlier in the day, the Commission for the Use of Names gave a negative assessment on the use of the name Ivan Mihajlov, which was submitted by association Cultural Center “Ivan Mihajlov” – Bitola.

“The Commission believes that the name of the Ivan Mihajlov association is a provocation for the national feelings of the Macedonian people, since it is the name of a figure with close ties to the fascist ideology who denied the uniqueness of the Macedonian people, while at the same time causing intolerance and hatred in Macedonian society,” said the press release.

According to the Law on Associations and Foundations, which was adopted in November 2022, the Bulgarian clubs are obliged to request a re-registration, otherwise they are at threat of being closed down.

The amendments of the Law on Associations and Foundations ban naming civil organizations, foundations and political parties after names, nicknames, pseudonyms of historical figures related to fascism, Nazism, genocide, Third Reich etc. The law has a retroactive effect and it also applies to already registered associations and foundations. According to the amendments, the associations and foundations that do not comply with the amendments will be deleted from the Registry following a decision by the Minister of Justice.

Photo: MIA archive