Greek protesters clash with police over name deal

(20 Jan 2019) Violent clashes erupted in Athens on Sunday between a group of protestors that tried to enter the Greek parliament and anti-riot police deployed around the building. Protestors hurled paint, stones and petrol bombs against the police officers who replied with tear gas. Thousands of people had gathered in central Athens to protest against a naming deal between Greece and neighbouring Macedonia that would end decades of hostility between the two countries. The protest took place ahead of ratification by the Greek parliament of the deal that was reached last summer. Chanting "Macedonia is Greek," protesters demanded the government scrap plans to ratify the deal that would see its neighbour change its name to North Macedonia. For decades Greece has objected to the name Macedonia, arguing that it poses a threat to the territory and ancient heritage of its own region of that name. The government is struggling to find the majority of lawmakers willing to back the agreement as it needs the support of at least six opposition parliament members. If the deal is ratified, NATO would fast track Macedonia's membership. y. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...