Greeks stage mass protests over Macedonia name dispute

More than 100,000 protesters gathered in central Athens on Sunday in the ongoing dispute with neighboring Macedonia over its use of a name that holds historical and regional significance for both countries. The protesters blocked traffic throughout the city center and officials closed three major subway stops. Protesters chanted “Hands off Macedonia!” and “Macedonia belongs to Greece!,” as they waved flags bearing the emblem of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. The name dispute began when Macedonia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Greece objected to the new country using the name Macedonia, saying it could give credence to territorial claims over the Greek province bearing the same name. “Macedonia is ours, it’s part of Greece,” 72-year-old Persefoni Platsouri told Reuters. “We won’t let them take it from us.” The two countries agreed to step up negotiations mediated by the United Nations to settle the dispute this year.