The celebrations of the religious and national holiday St Ilija (Ilinden) is under way in Lerin, Ovcarani without incidents and in accordance to scheduled program.
Around 6,000 Macedonians are in Ovcarani, in what according to Vinozito is a 'traditional Macedonian celebration', with dancing and folk songs. There is also a scheduled appearance of Macedonian Folk/Dance group "Tanec".
The largest Greek Media outlets have thrown a black ink on the celebration saying "extremists from Skopje, purposely provoke Greece" even though the celebrations take place every year, says Vinozito.
According to the Macedonian Party in Greece, the largest and most popular Greek Daily "Ta Nea" in its reports said that Macedonian president Branko Crvenkovski will make a 'provocative speech' in Ovcarani (Meliti).
Vinozito believes the goal of the Greek Media, under direction from the Greek Government is to make everything possible in scaring off the Macedonian population as to reduce their number in the celebrations. That way the representatives of the Government could confirm their statements there were no Macedonians in Greece.
Vinozito's members are asking how can a "European" country, such as Greece, allow the parade and provocations of right wing organization like "Hrisi Avgi" who constantly moved around and intimidated Macedonians by yelling threatening vulgar statements thus trying to change people's mind not to attend the celebration.
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