Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, sent sharp criticism and accusations towards Macedonian politicians, saying that they are trying to seize the moment of the refugee crisis to make a point over the name dispute.
Speaking at an event in Thessaloniki, Pavlopoulos stressed that Greece shows solidarity with the refugees in the country, thanks to the ancient Greek spirit and culture. He also requested other European countries do the same, noting that the EU is based on the ideas of humanity, democracy and justice.
“The EU is not a refuge for timid people, nor is it a vessel flying the its flag for political opportunism. This message applies to the neighboring country of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, whose leaders need to understand that by looking for names they are making an attempt to falsify history, but also by raising wired fences and barbaric acts against refugees, they are openly violating and going against European values and there is no place for that in the European Union”, said Pavlopoulos.
