Thessaloniki mayor objects to schoolchildren in military parade

Just a few days before Ochi Day, which commemorates the rejection by Greek leader Ioannis Metaxas on October 28, 1940 of Mussolini's demand for access to Greek territory, propelling Greece into World War II, Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris expressed his opposition to the traditional parade by schoolchildren held in Greek cities to mark the anniversary.

In comments to 104.9 FM, Boutaris said he will not be attending the parade on the eve of the anniversary in the northern port.

"I am totally opposed to the parade by schoolchildren," he said, noting that such displays are "beyond logic."

"Nowhere in the world are there military-style parades by schoolchildren," he added.