American Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has accused Russia of trying to influence a planned vote in Macedonia. The vote could open a path for the country to join NATO. Mattis spoke to reporters traveling with him to Skopje, the Macedonian capital. He said he had no doubt that Moscow had given money to pro-Russian groups to defeat the vote about changing Macedonia’s name. A name change would end a dispute with Greece, which has territory of the same name. Greece has repeatedly blocked Macedonia’s request to join NATO. Mattis said, "We ought to leave the Macedonian people to make up their own minds.'' Macedonians will vote on September 30th to decide on the possible name change. In June, Greece and Macedonia agreed that Macedonia would change its name. In return Greece would end its objections to Macedonia’s request to join NATO.