Greeks hold mass protests over name row with Macedonia

Tens of thousands of Greeks have marched in Athens to protest the government's potential compromise in a long-standing dispute with neighbor Macedonia over its official name.
Ro Aram has the details.
Greeks are opposed to the possibility of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shortening their official name to just "Macedonia."
That's because Greece has its own region called Macedonia, and argues that its neighbor's use of the name, along with contentious articles in its constitution, imply territorial claims over Greek land.
It also evokes strong emotions among Greeks who consider Macedonia, the ancient kingdom ruled by Alexander the Great, to be an integral part of their homeland and heritage.
Demonstrators waved blue and white Greek flags across Athens on Sunday, in what locals said was the largest gathering in decades.

"I cannot understand why this problem has become a problem now, and for what reason it must be resolved now since it should have been resolved many years ago. They have sold us out and now the people have risen up, we are all out on the streets for this."

"I think it's not fair for some foreigners to take something that is ours without having any connection to it. I will support this until the end. Macedonia is Greek."

Both governments have stepped up negotiations, mediated by the United Nations, to settle the dispute.
The Greek government has proposed a compound name, with a geographical qualifier, such as "North Macedonia."
But the ex-Yugoslav Republic says its people can be traced back to the ancient kingdom of Macedon, and therefore insisting that "Macedonia" on its own is the logical option.
Macedonia wants the decades-old name row to end so that it has a chance to join NATO and the European Union.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.