【明報專訊】In ancient Greece, Macedonia was a Greek kingdom, and the area now makes up a large part of northern Greece. The Greeks think the name "Republic of Macedonia" does not reflect the history and culture of the area between the two countries accurately. They also fear that the name would trigger ambitions to unite the two parts of Macedonia, causing Greece to lose part of its land. Thus they have demanded the name be changed.

Facing recent protests in Greek cities including its capital Athens, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev suggested including a geographical description to distinguish between the Greek area of Macedonia and his country. Some suggestions include "Upper Macedonia", "New Macedonia", "Northern Macedonia" and "Macedonia-Skopje".

Greece welcomes Zaev's effort, saying that it is a positive step. "This is an important development," said the Greek foreign ministry shortly after Zaev said the country would also rename its airport and national motorway. "We hope that it marks the start of a new chapter in the relations between our two countries and peoples."

(Sources: Ming Pao, The Guardian, BBC)

■English highway﹕peoples

The word "people" is the plural form of "person". However, it can also be used as a singular noun to mean "a group of person sharing same qualities". Therefore, the word "peoples" refers to two or more groups of people.

e.g. The Chinese and the Japanese peoples are becoming more influential internationally.

■Photo Story

The airport Alexander the Great in Skopje, Macedonia is named in honour of the famous Greek conqueror Alexander the Great, who was portrayed as a Macedonian. Prime Minister Zaev suggested that the country change the name to avoid cultural confusion.

■Quiz

(Answers on next text)

1. Determine whether the following statement is true or false. Find the answer on p 1.

The Republic of Macedonia was formed in 1991.

True/False

2. Find a word in paragraph 1 that means "requested".

____________________________________

3. What is the capital city of Greece?

_________________________________

4. Which part of Greece was the Kingdom of Macedonia located in?

A. Eastern Greece

B. Southern Greece

C. Western Greece

D. Northern Greece

■Glossary

make up (phr v) 組成

ambition (n) 野心

protest (n) 抗議

distinguish (v) 區分

[Smarties' Power English 第209期]