Greek lawmakers edge towards Macedonia deal as issue divides nation

Greek Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs George Katrougalos addresses lawmakers during a parliamentary session on a name-change agreement with neighbouring Macedonia in Athens, Greece, January 23, 2019. REUTERS/Costas Baltas

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek lawmakers began the final steps on Wednesday towards ratifying an historic accord on a name-change for neighbouring Macedonia, as a bitter row rumbled with opponents who say it harms Greece's national identity.

Parliament opened a two-day debate on ratifying the so-called Prespes Agreement, a U.N. mediated deal between Athens and Skopje changing the latter's name to Republic of North Macedonia.