Silence begins at midnight ahead of Macedonia's referendum, citizens divided

SKOPJE, (Patria) - In Macedonia, pre-referendum silence begins on Thursday at midnight, and by then all campaign activities for the referendum vote on Sunday, September 30th, must be completed, reports Al Jazeera.

A citizens' protest against holding the referendum is scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 PM.

On this occasion, the US Embassy in Skopje called on all its citizens in Macedonia to stay away from the location where the protest will be held.

Americans in Skopje were advised to avoid the square in front of the Macedonian parliament and Macedonia Square.

- Various groups aim to oppose the referendum on the agreement between Greece and Macedonia, which will be held on September 30th. Spontaneous, unannounced protests may also occur in other locations in Skopje and other cities. The American government advises its citizens and employees to avoid locations where protests may occur - the Embassy statement reads.

Macedonians will vote on Sunday on changing the name of the former Yugoslav republic to the Republic of North Macedonia, which should end the long-standing dispute with Greece, a neighbor and NATO member, which saw the use of the term "Macedonia" by Skopje as a claim to its namesake region.

Citizens will be asked whether they are in favor of membership in the European Union and NATO, by accepting the agreement between Athens and Skopje on changing the name to the Republic of North Macedonia.

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev stated that the citizens of his country have always made wise decisions and expressed his belief that this will happen again in the upcoming referendum.