Organised by the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Greek Australian groups will protest against FYROM receiving a compound name containing the term ‘Macedonia’ this Sunday 25 February.
The rally, which is expected to be joined by thousands will be held outside the Greek Consulate in Melbourne (37-39 Albert Rd. Albert Park), with a 2.00 pm start.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia also lent its support to the rally. In an announcement read out at churches across the city, the Archdiocese instructed all clerics to attend the rally in Melbourne on
Sunday.
The protest was originally planned for 4 March, however, at the opening of the 31st Lonsdale Street Greek Festival (LSGF) it was announced that Greek Australian groups had decided to move the date in order to apply
more pressure as negotiations about the solution of the naming dispute intensify between Greece and FYROM. The first rally regarding the FYROM naming issue was instigated by a grassroots organisation called ‘Macedonia is Greek – Human Rights Group’ and took place on Sunday 21 January.
According to the organisers the rally had a great turnout. Sunday’s rally is expected to be larger with support from the Greek Orthodox Church, Pan-Macedonian Association and many other community groups.