Thousands of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia citizens marched in Skopje on Sunday in support of the name change to “North Macedonia” that could clear the way for the country’s NATO, EU membership.
The rally was ahead of the September 30 crucial referendum that would determine whether the Balkan country citizens accept the change of the country’s name to “Republic of North Macedonia” as per the Prespa agreement with Greece that was signed in June.
FYROM Prime Minister Zoran Zaev was leading the rally under the banner “For a European Macedonia”. The FYROM premier addressed participants in front of the EU office in Skopje. He called on citizens to seize the historic opportunity and accept the name deal, which he described as “fair.”
“The message is: We want the future, we want a European Macedonia! It is our responsibility to secure a future for our children and their children,” Zaev said.
So far, opinion polls indicate tha the majority of FYROM residents are supporting the new name. However, at least 50 percent plus one of the 1.8 million registered voters are needed to participate in order for the vote to be valid.
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