Theodorakis demands vote on Macedonia deal

 Greece’s composer and resistance icon Mikis Theodorakis on Sunday called for a referendum to be held on any government deal aimed at solving a long-running name row with Macedonia.

“Macedonia was, is and will forever be Greek,” 93-year-old Theodorakis told a massive crowd of protesters gathered in Athens.

“If a government considers signing on behalf of our country… there is no doubt it must first ask the Greek people,” he said, calling the neighbouring northern state “illegitimate”, AP reports.

“It is not nationalism, but patriotism to defend the homeland and its people,” he stressed.

He added that the fact that most of the world recognizes FYROM as Macedonia should not be a concern. “Ultimately it’s our own decision that will settle the issue.”

Metropolitan Dorotheos as representative of the Greek Orthodox Church also addressed the demonstrators.

Greek police: 140,000 citizens attended the rally

According to Greek police, 140,000 citizens participate at the rally in Athens, coming from all over Greece by 283 buses, MIA correspondent said.

Gathering will take place with the participation of about 140,000 citizens in the area of Syntagma square, at an area of 50,000 square meters, the Greek police said.

Anarchists organise counter-demonstration

About 700 left-wing and anarchist protesters set up a counter-demonstration nearby, bearing banners calling for Balkan unity. Dozens of riot police were deployed to keep the two demonstrations separate.