The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-05-05

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Three Killed in Bank Fire Bombing as Greeks Protest Austerity Measures

Due to the tragic events that took place during a march by tens of thousands of striking Greek workers, media employees decided to break the strike to report the breaking news

Three people were killed Thursday during a general strike over planned austerity measures when a branch of Marfin Popular Bank was set on fire, said the Fire Service. Firefighters said that another two fires have broken out, one on Syggrou Avenue and another at Zappeion.

House Speaker Filippos Petsalnikos also confirmed the deaths. "Unfortunately, it appears to be at least two dead people. According to information, there were killed after petrol bombs were thrown at the building," said Petsalnikos.

Earlier, dozens of thousands of angered demonstrators who joined the march staged by GSEE and ADEDY, Greece's biggest umbrella unions for the private and the public sector, and protested against the austerity measures announced by the Greek government.

The clashes started around 1pm when a group of anarchists commenced hurling rocks and pieces of marble outside the building housing the Greek Parliament. Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

A group of hooded men caused extensive damage to stores, while about 100 people tried to storm the House. Protesters hoisted a black flag at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Clashes spread to the streets surrounding the Athens Polytechnic School and the Exarchia district. Police said the demonstrators who took part in the march were about 35,000. Eye witnesses, though, have raised the number to at least 40,000.

After the House Speaker informed the deputies that three people had been killed, LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) head Giorgos Karatzaferis blamed the situation on the Greek Communist Party (KKE), arguing that KKE's calls for disobedience to the Constitution ignite such clashes.

KKE head Aleka Papariga dismissed Karatzaferis as a professional provocateur. She also said that it was the members of PAME, the unionists affiliated to KKE, who safeguarded the march.

In the meantime, things in central Athens have not calmed down.

News item: 36229

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