Organizers of the protests for "the defense of the name Macedonia" are planning more rallies in front of the Greek Parliament, as well as a 48-hour general strike, should an agreement be reached and given to Greek MPs to vote on.
One of the organizers, Otto Iakovidis from Thermaikos Ora Miden, said they were planning more rallies in case the government failed to heed the message from the first two protests and did not take public opinion into account.
“If a proposal reaches Parliament without there being a referendum first,” Iakovidis told Greek Sky TV, “we will hold a 48-hour general strike, which will continue if our demands are not met. We will call Greek people to come to Syntagma Square and surround the Parliament to protect both democracy and Macedonia.”
Greek diaspora organizations announced a protest in front of the New York UN headquarters on March 18, and protesters gathered in the Greek town of Polykastro on Sunday.
The Polykastro protesters chanted, “Macedonia is Greek.” “Alexander, you live, and you lead us,” “The people do not forget; traitors are hanged”.
When they tried to reach the Macedonian border, they were stopped by the authorities. After some minor incidents with the police, the protesters turned back.
GERMAN/DEUTSCH
GERMAN/DEUTSCH
