Protests in January in Thessaloniki, Greece against the Macedonia ‘name’ deal. Archive photo: Demetrios Ioannou.

The ministry warned Macedonian citizens to stay away from places where protests are due to take place on Wednesday afternoon due to the potential for “escalation”, and to avoid reacting to the rallies in any way that might jeopardise their safety.

The protests, organized by the so-called Committee for the Preservation of the Greek Character of Macedonia, which mainly includes right-wing organisations who oppose possible compromise on the longstanding bilateral ‘name’ dispute, are to be held in 13 cities and towns in northern Greece.

Greek media have reported that independently of the organisers, spontaneous protests may take place in at least eight other cities, possibly supported by local authorities and clerics.

The protest, expected to draw thousands to the streets, are taking place as the two countries governments’ hint that they might reach a final compromise deal on a new name for Macedonia within the next few days, which should be sealed via a telephone conversation or a possible meeting between the two Prime Ministers.

Asked to comment on Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias’s statement earlier this week that the possible composite names Northern Macedonia, Upper Macedonia and New Macedonia are being discussed as the talks draw near to a conclusion, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on Tuesday expressed his belief that the process is nearing a happy ending.

He said that the expected telephone conversation with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras was “a matter of days” away, and that he will disclose all details of the agreement to the nation once it happens.

Zaev also refrained from commenting on allegations made on Monday by one of his ethnic Albanian government partners, that the possible names Krusevo Macedonia, Modern Macedonia or European Macedonia are also being discussed.

“The issue is sensitive for us and for Greece as well, and I will remain cautious. I want these days to see the successful completion of the process,” Zaev said.

He also reiterated that he will put any possible name compromise to a referendum.

If the neighbouring countries reach a UN-sponsored settlement on the name issue soon, Macedonia can hope for an almost certain invitation to join NATO this year and a green light for the start of its EU accession talks, something that Greece has been blocking for years over the unresolved dispute.

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