ATHENS, Greece (AP) — About 1,500 police officers have taken up positions around Athens before demonstrations planned against Greece's ratification of an agreement with Macedonia to normalize relations after decades of strain.

A four-day parliamentary debate was due to end late Thursday with a vote that would finalize plans by Greece's neighbor to change its name to North Macedonia and further its bid to join NATO.

Protesters from the Greek Communist Party draped two giant banners opposing the deal over the walls of the ancient Acropolis early Thursday.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' government needs support from up to six opposition lawmakers for the agreement to be ratified.

Opponents argue that the deal doesn't end a potential territorial threat to Greece's northern region of Macedonia. Mass demonstrations last Sunday were marred by extensive violence.