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Tens of thousands gathered in the center of Athens to protest the agreement on the new name of Macedonia, which the Greek parliament should soon ratify, according to Agerpres.
There were some clashes between police officers and around 30 national demonstrators with bunkers who threw objects and tried to force the Parliament fence near a monument of the Unknown Soldier. According to the AFP, officials of the order forces used tear gas.
Most of the demonstrators showed the flag of Greece, forming a tide of blue and white in Syntagma Square, the frequent place of the large assemblies, in front of the Parliament. "Referendum for (name) of Macedonia" could be read on a large banner.
The police mobilized 2,000 agents, drones and helicopters and traffic in the center of Athens was closed on Sunday, as well as the subway stations near Syntagma.
Among the protesters there were some Orthodox religious groups and some priests. The official website of the newly born Golden Dawn party has invited its supporters to participate.
The new name of Macedonia, signed between Athens and Skopje in June of last year, aims to put an end to a 30-year dispute between the two neighboring countries renaming Macedonia in the "Republic of Macedonia".
Ratified ten days ago by the Macedonian Parliament, this agreement will be discussed in the next few days by the Greek Parliament in view of a crucial vote to be held by the end of next week.
Many residents, especially those in the northern province of Greece bearing the same name as the neighboring country, state that the name "Macedonia" belongs only to the Greek historical heritage.
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