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Protesters to rally against Macedonia deal in central Athens

(ANSA-AP) - ATHENS, JANUARY 20 - Protesters are gathering in central Athens for a rally against the Greek-Macedonia name deal. The protest is being staged outside Greece's Parliament, which is expected to start debate on ratification of the deal Monday and vote on it by Friday. Organizers for the protest said they hope to attract more than 600,000 people. But indications are that the actual number will fall well short. While organizers had said about 3,000 buses would travel from northern Greece, police say only about 300 had arrived Sunday afternoon. Greece and Macedonia agreed last June to a deal that would change the name of Greece's northern neighbor to North Macedonia. In exchange, Greece would lift its objections to the country joining NATO. The deal has met with strong opposition in Greece. (ANSA-AP).