Greek dock workers extend 48-hour strikeFebruary 1, 2013 - 18:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greek dock workers extended a 48-hour strike for a further two days on Friday, Feb 1, leaving ferries tied up in port over the weekend, while Athens doctors walked off the job in the latest backlash against austerity measures, The Associated Press reported. The strikes come a day after hospital doctors and public transport workers in the capital walked off the job for 24 hours. Workers are protesting the latest wave of austerity measures in return for bailout funds, which unions say will lead to a further 25 percent income cut for many. Greece has been struggling through a severe financial crisis since late 2009, and is dependent on billions of euros in international rescue loans. In return, the government imposed repeated rounds of spending cuts and tax hikes that have sent unemployment spiraling to above 26 percent and plunged the country into a recession now in its sixth year. Greek islands, many of which have no airports and depend on sea routes for basic supplies, have been without ferry service since Thursday, when the dock workers began their initial two-day strike. Their union's decision to extend the labor action will leave ferries tied up until 6 a.m. Monday. The main unions have also announced a nationwide general strike for Feb. 20, the latest in a long series of such walkouts over the past two years that lead to the disruption of nearly all services in the country and are often accompanied by violent demonstrations. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |