IDOMENI, Greece -- Several hundred Iraqis and Syrians in the Idomeni border camp are standing between protesters and the police, thwarting the protesters' efforts to march toward the fence separating Greece from Macedonia. Scuffles have broken out between the two groups.
The protesters twice broke through the barrier the Iraqis and Syrians have formed, only to be pushed back by Greek riot police who, so far, have used only their shields.
People speaking for the Iraqis and Syrians, including Kurds from both countries, have told police that they are not taking part in Sunday's protest and that the protesters are from Afghanistan and Pakistan. They also say that activists were circulating at the camp Saturday, urging people to join the protest and that this would force the border open.
