General strike against austerity measures under way in GreeceMay 1, 2013 - 15:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A general strike against tough austerity measures is under way in Greece, with trade unions calling for "mass mobilization" of protesters, BBC News reported. The 24-hour action is expected to severely disrupt public services, including transport and hospitals. The organizers are demanding an end to spending cuts and tax rises. The government says the measures are badly needed to lead Greece out of a deep financial crisis and six straight years of recession. The cabinet of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras says the policies are part of continuing moves to ensure more bailout money from international creditors. The 24-hour strike officially began at midnight. Trains and ferries are at a standstill, other public transport is disrupted and hospitals are working with reduced staff. In Athens, hundreds of people rallied outside parliament in Syntagma Square, waving flags and banners. Demonstrations are planned across the country, with police on alert for a repeat of past violence. The two largest unions - GSEE and ADEDY - have said that the action will focus on demands to end austerity. They say that government measures have led to the country's record unemployment rate of 27%, including almost 60% among young people. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |