Greeks held mass protests against the name Macedonia

ATHENS, (Patria) - Mass protests were held in Athens on Sunday, from which it was stated that Greece will not recognize Macedonia's right to the state name that includes the word Macedonia. 

The celebrated Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis stated that Greece will never give the name “Macedonia”.

Speaking at the mass demonstrations in Athens regarding Greece’s potential compromise with the authorities in Skopje over the official name of Macedonia, he called on the people to unite “as never before”, reports Danas.

He told the Greek government that if it intends to sign a name that includes the term “Macedonia”, it is obliged to ask the Greek people first.

- In this difficult time for our country, when dark clouds are gathering over us again, we are threatened by this agreement as never before - he said, adding that there have been attempts to convince Greeks that Macedonians are direct descendants of Philip and Alexander the Great.

According to him, Greece must be cautious in defending its national integrity and reiterated his earlier assessment that after Yugoslavia, Greece is the next step.

Some protesters in Athens clashed with the police, who had to use tear gas.

Simultaneously with the protest in Athens, a counter-rally of leftist groups was organized about a kilometer away from the main protest.

Due to the protests, the Greek capital was blocked and under “siege” from the morning hours.

Former Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras supported the demonstrations, stating that this will be a “great day for the country”.

The newspaper “Kathimerini” states that the government has downplayed the significance of the protests at a time when the negotiations between the officials of Athens and Skopje are entering a critical phase.

Recently published polls show that almost 60 percent of Greeks oppose the use of the word “Macedonia” in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, while 35 percent of Greek respondents say they would not mind a combined name that would include that word.

At the same time, 65 percent of respondents view the protest rallies regarding the name of Macedonia positively, reports the portal “Greek reporter”.

The majority of voters of the ruling Greek party Syriza - 57 percent of them - believe that it is good that such gatherings are being organized.

The protests are being held after the mediator in the negotiations on the name dispute of Macedonia, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz, visited Athens and Skopje, where he discussed with officials the possibilities for resolving the 25-year-old dispute.

Nimetz stated that he is optimistic and that both sides have the will to find a common solution.