The Greek Embassy in Skopje has formally protested to the North Macedonia Ministry of Foreign Affairs over a “Greater Macedonia” map banner displayed by fans of the MZT Skopje basketball team during their home game against Iraklis (59-64) on October 6, as part of the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers. The banner bore the inscription: “We will defend your sacred name throughout the world.” However, the most provocative element was the map displayed alongside the slogan, which depicted Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki as parts of North Macedonia. The map also incorporated territories belonging to Bulgaria, as well as parts of Serbia and Albania, in addition to North Macedonia itself. The banner was further adorned with the Star of Vergina.
Greek Embassy in Skopje: Banner violates obligations under the Prespa Agreement
The Greek Embassy in Skopje, responding to a query from local news outlet 360 Stepeni, confirmed that it had raised the matter with the North Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the displayed banner. “The Embassy raised the issue of the banner’s display, including the fact that, according to information we received, it was displayed in the presence of the North Macedonian Minister of Sports. We pointed out that the content and symbolism of the banner are in violation of the obligations and spirit of the Prespa Agreement. The matter was therefore brought to the attention of the North Macedonian authorities through the appropriate diplomatic channels,” the Greek Embassy in Skopje stated.
