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 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 | Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia. Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |