Fierce battles break out amid mass Greece protest

General strike disrupts servcies across country; stone-
throwing youths battle riot police

msnbc.com news services 
June 28, 2011

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43558670/ns/world_news-europe/#

ATHENS, Greece - A general strike disrupted services across
Greece and riots erupted once more outside Parliament Tuesday
as demonstrators protested tax increases and spending cuts
essential for the country to receive critical bailout funds
that will prevent a potentially disastrous default.

Inside Parliament, lawmakers debated new austerity measures
which must be passed this week if Greece's international
creditors are to release the next 12 billion euro batch of
the country's 110 billion euro bailout - and prevent a
default that could drag down European banks and shake the
European and world economy.

But the measures, which include spending cuts and tax hikes
on even those on minimum wages, have caused widespread
outrage.

Unions embarked on a two-day general strike Tuesday, halting
nearly all public transport, forcing airlines to reschedule
or cancel dozens of flights and bringing public services to a
standstill.

A peaceful protest by about 20,000 people quickly degenerated
into violence, with riot police firing volleys of tear gas
and stun grenades to keep back hooded youths pelting them
with thousands of chunks of ripped up paving stones and
marble chipped from building facades and steps.

To read more, go to

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43558670/ns/world_news-europe/#

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