The Greek Embassy in Skopje lodged a formal protest with North Macedonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over a banner displayed by MZT Skopje fans at a basketball game against Iraklis on 6 October.
The incident took place during the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers and prompted a response from the Greek diplomatic mission.
The map and the Vergina Sun
The banner showed a map on which parts of Greece, including Halkidiki, as well as areas of Serbia, Albania and Bulgaria, were depicted as North Macedonian territory.
The banner was framed by the Vergina Sun and bore the inscription: “We will defend your sacred name throughout the world.”
The Greek Embassy’s response
Responding to a question from the local news website “360 Stepeni”, the Greek Embassy in Skopje confirmed that it had raised the issue with North Macedonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It said its intervention also included reports that the banner had been displayed in the presence of the country’s Minister of Sport.
“The Embassy raised the issue of the banner being displayed, including the fact that, according to information we received, it was displayed in the presence of the Minister of Sport of North Macedonia. We pointed out that the banner’s content and symbolism run counter to 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 channel,” the Greek Embassy said.
Complaint by Iraklis
Iraklis BC lodged an official complaint with the match commissioner over the banner displayed by MZT Skopje fans.
The Greek team also informed the Greek Embassy in Skopje about the incident.
APE-MPE