Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Athens on Sunday, for a three-day visit looking at "deeper cooperation with Greece in all sectors".

Xi is expected to meet President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the two countries are due to sign cooperation documents on education, shipping and energy.

"It is our duty to steadily upgrade our cooperation in all sectors, by delving deeply into existing fields and expanding the range of investments", the Chinese president said in an article published in "Kathimerini" newspaper on Sunday.

"Relations with Greece are a priority for China," Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told Thema radio on Thursday.

"They came and invested in Greece when others stayed away" during the crisis, Dendias said.

Xi's visit comes on the heels of a four-day trip to Shanghai by Mitsotakis earlier this week when he led a delegation representing more than 60 businesses.

The front-page headline in pro-government newspaper "To Vima" refers to Greece's "Wedding with the Chinese Dragon" expecting a "deal signing fever in Athens".

"We have a number of important deals that open the Chinese market to Greek products," Mitsotakis told the paper in an interview published Sunday.&nbsp;

Greece has been building progressively closer trade&nbsp;relations with China for more than a decade.

The initiative started with a 2008 deal by a previous conservative government to cede container terminals at the main port of Piraeus to Chinese shipping giant Cosco.

Cosco's 600-million-euro ($660 million) investment in Piraeus deemed "the head of the Dragon" by Xi, could reach one billion euros, Mitsotakis said during his Shanghai visit.

Greece has also signed up to China’s new 'Belt and Road' project, a $1-trillion global investment programme aiming to forward Chinese goods to markets further afield.

Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Athens on Sunday, for a three-day visit looking at "deeper cooperation with Greece in all sectors". Xi is expected to meet President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the two countries are due to sign cooperation documents on education, shipping and energy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in Athens on Sunday, for a three-day visit looking at "deeper cooperation with Greece in all sectors". Xi is expected to meet President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the two countries are due to sign cooperation documents on education, shipping and energy. "It is our duty to steadily upgrade our cooperation in all sectors, by delving deeply into existing fields and expanding the range of investments", the Chinese president said in an article published in "Kathimerini" newspaper on Sunday. "Relations with Greece are a priority for China," Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told Thema radio on Thursday. "They came and invested in Greece when others stayed away" during the crisis, Dendias said. Xi's visit comes on the heels of a four-day trip to Shanghai by Mitsotakis earlier this week when he led a delegation representing more than 60 businesses. The front-page headline in pro-government newspaper "To Vima" refers to Greece's "Wedding with the Chinese Dragon" expecting a "deal signing fever in Athens". "We have a number of important deals that open the Chinese market to Greek products," Mitsotakis told the paper in an interview published Sunday. Greece has been building progressively closer trade relations with China for more than a decade. The initiative started with a 2008 deal by a previous conservative government to cede container terminals at the main port of Piraeus to Chinese shipping giant Cosco. Cosco's 600-million-euro ($660 million) investment in Piraeus deemed "the head of the Dragon" by Xi, could reach one billion euros, Mitsotakis said during his Shanghai visit. Greece has also signed up to China’s new 'Belt and Road' project, a $1-trillion global investment programme aiming to forward Chinese goods to markets further afield.

China's Xi arrives in Athens to 'deepen cooperation'

Protesters on Saturday&nbsp;burned the United States&nbsp;and NATO flags in Athens as the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-and-united-states-update-mutual-defence-cooperation-pact-253940"> US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials</a>.

Thousands marched outside the US&nbsp;Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US&nbsp;President Harry Truman in the city centre.

Greece and the United States have traditionally close relations even though many blame Washington for its tacit support for a military junta that ruled Greece between 1967 and 1974. Protest marches to the US&nbsp;Embassy are an annual event.

Demonstrators, which included supporters of the Greek Communist Party, held banners against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-can-be-pillar-for-regional-stability-pompeo-253933"> Greek - US military cooperation</a>. The United States uses a base on the island of Crete for naval and sea operations in the region.

Protesters on Saturday burned the United States and NATO flags in Athens as the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials. Thousands marched outside the US Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US President Harry Truman in the city centre.

Protesters on Saturday burned the United States and NATO flags in Athens as the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Greek government officials. Thousands marched outside the US Embassy in the Greek capital, holding up signs that read "Pompeo go home," and threw red paint on a statue of former US President Harry Truman in the city centre. Greece and the United States have traditionally close relations even though many blame Washington for its tacit support for a military junta that ruled Greece between 1967 and 1974. Protest marches to the US Embassy are an annual event. Demonstrators, which included supporters of the Greek Communist Party, held banners against Greek - US military cooperation. The United States uses a base on the island of Crete for naval and sea operations in the region.

Protesters burn US and NATO flags during Pompeo visit in Athens

Workers in Greece have staged their first walkout since a new conservative government took office in July. Watch video to know more.

WION Wallet: Greek workers walks out to protest against govt

Greece on Friday sought permission from the eurozone to repay loans to the IMF before their maturity date, a move Athens hopes will rebuild international trust in its economy.

Greece's new center-right finance minister Christos Staikouras made his request at his first meeting with his eurozone counterparts since taking office in July. &nbsp;

"I welcome such an early repayment for a very simple reason: because it increases the debt sustainability of Greece," said Klaus Regling, the head of the European Stability Mechanism, the eurozone's bailout fund.

Regling said once officially launched, the approval process would take about two months.

Regling's ESM, which is governed by the eurozone 19 finance ministers, holds most of the public debt owed by Greece after a decade of EU and IMF bailouts.

Greece's overspending triggered a major eurozone crisis a decade ago and nearly led to the demise of the single currency bloc.

Since then, Athens has carried out painful reforms in exchange for three bailouts worth 289 billion euros ($330 billion) from the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

The country exited its third and final international bailout in August 2018.

Nevertheless, its debt load remains high with public debt standing at 335 billion euros ($372 billion) or 180 percent of GDP last year.

According to Bloomberg, the government hopes to pay off 2.9 billion euros of the remaining 8.8 billion Greece owes the Washington-based IMF.

Some of the loans demand rates of over 5 percent pushing the market-friendly government to seek cheaper terms.

Greece on Friday sought permission from the eurozone to repay loans to the IMF before their maturity date, a move Athens hopes will rebuild international trust in its economy.

Greece on Friday sought permission from the eurozone to repay loans to the IMF before their maturity date, a move Athens hopes will rebuild international trust in its economy. Greece's new center-right finance minister Christos Staikouras made his request at his first meeting with his eurozone counterparts since taking office in July. "I welcome such an early repayment for a very simple reason: because it increases the debt sustainability of Greece," said Klaus Regling, the head of the European Stability Mechanism, the eurozone's bailout fund. Regling said once officially launched, the approval process would take about two months. Regling's ESM, which is governed by the eurozone 19 finance ministers, holds most of the public debt owed by Greece after a decade of EU and IMF bailouts. Greece's overspending triggered a major eurozone crisis a decade ago and nearly led to the demise of the single currency bloc. Since then, Athens has carried out painful reforms in exchange for three bailouts worth 289 billion euros ($330 billion) from the European Union, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The country exited its third and final international bailout in August 2018. Nevertheless, its debt load remains high with public debt standing at 335 billion euros ($372 billion) or 180 percent of GDP last year. According to Bloomberg, the government hopes to pay off 2.9 billion euros of the remaining 8.8 billion Greece owes the Washington-based IMF. Some of the loans demand rates of over 5 percent pushing the market-friendly government to seek cheaper terms.

Greece seeks early IMF debt repayment to build trust

Over180 firefighters battled wildfires in Greece on Tuesday, with the largest burning through a thickly forested nature reserve on the island of Evia north of Athens where three villages have been evacuated. Watch this video to know more.

Greece battles another wildfire, no deaths reported

A large&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;of&nbsp;Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.&nbsp;

Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days.

More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on&nbsp;Evia, Greece's second-largest&nbsp;island, where a monastery had already been evacuated.

It generated thick&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;that blanketed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-51-magnitude-earthquake-shakes-athens-knocks-out-phone-service-237149">the capital,&nbsp;Athens</a>, some 110 kilometres away.

The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said.

Greek&nbsp;TV showed thick, dark&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds.

A local mayor told state TV ERT the&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti.

No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening.

Greece often faces&nbsp;wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week.&nbsp;

Environmental campaigners see increased&nbsp;wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming.

Last year, a&nbsp;wildfire&nbsp;killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near&nbsp;Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames.

A large wildfire fanned by strong winds burned tracts of pine forest on the Greek of Evia, firefighters said on Tuesday, with evacuation ordered of two villages in the path of the flames. Wildfires raged uncontrolled in at least four other Greek regions, and the fire brigade said it had been called to put out 182 fires in the last three days. More than 227 firemen, aided by five helicopters and six other aircraft, were battling the blaze on Evia, Greece's second-largest island, where a monastery had already been evacuated. It generated thick smoke that blanketed the capital, Athens, some 110 kilometres away. The villages of Kontodespoti and Makrimalli were being evacuated protectively, a fire brigade official said. Greek TV showed thick, dark smoke blanketing the area with ash falling kilometres away, blown by strong winds. A local mayor told state TV ERT the wildfire had reached home gardens at Kontodespoti. No fatalities had been reported and the winds were expected to subside in the evening. Greece often faces wildfires during its dry summer months, and authorities have warned of the high risk of blazes this week. Environmental campaigners see increased wildfires around the world as a worrying symptom of global warming. Last year, a wildfire killed 100 people in the seaside town of Mati near Athens, and in 2007 fires killed 65, scorched thousands of hectares of forest and farmland and threatened archaeological sites.

Wildfire rages on Greek island Evia, smoke reaches Athens

A strong, shallow earthquake jolted Athens on Friday, knocking out phone and cellphone service and sending worried residents rushing into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

According to the Greek geodynamic institute, it was a 5.1-magnitude quake with an epicentre 23 kilometres northwest of Athens and was followed by aftershocks.

The quake struck at around 1100 GMT at a depth of 13 kilometres, news reports said.

Worried residents and office staff have crowded outdoor areas but the government denied it had ordered an evacuation alert.

The fire department rescued over a dozen people trapped in elevators in the capital, state broadcaster ERT said.

"People must remain calm," said Efthymios Lekkas, head of the state anti-quake protection agency.

"There is no reason for concern. The capital's buildings are built to withstand a much stronger earthquake," he told ERT.

The epicentre was near the area where a 5.9-magnitude quake left 143 people dead in and near Athens in 1999.

The US geological institute said Friday's quake had a magnitude of 5.3.

"For the time being we cannot be sure whether this was the main earthquake," seismologist Gerassimos Papadopoulos told ERT.

"There have been at least three (smaller) aftershocks already, which is a positive sign," he said, adding that the quake was felt as far as the Peloponnese islands.

"People in the capital must remain calm... they must be psychologically ready for more aftershocks," he said.

News media reported electricity outages but said internet connections were still operating.

Greece lies on major fault lines and is regularly hit by earthquakes, but they rarely cause casualties.

In July 2017, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake killed two people on the island of Kos in the Aegean sea, causing significant damage.

A strong, shallow earthquake jolted Athens on Friday, knocking out phone and cellphone service and sending worried residents rushing into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

A strong, shallow earthquake jolted Athens on Friday, knocking out phone and cellphone service and sending worried residents rushing into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. According to the Greek geodynamic institute, it was a 5.1-magnitude quake with an epicentre 23 kilometres northwest of Athens and was followed by aftershocks. The quake struck at around 1100 GMT at a depth of 13 kilometres, news reports said. Worried residents and office staff have crowded outdoor areas but the government denied it had ordered an evacuation alert. The fire department rescued over a dozen people trapped in elevators in the capital, state broadcaster ERT said. "People must remain calm," said Efthymios Lekkas, head of the state anti-quake protection agency. "There is no reason for concern. The capital's buildings are built to withstand a much stronger earthquake," he told ERT. The epicentre was near the area where a 5.9-magnitude quake left 143 people dead in and near Athens in 1999. The US geological institute said Friday's quake had a magnitude of 5.3. "For the time being we cannot be sure whether this was the main earthquake," seismologist Gerassimos Papadopoulos told ERT. "There have been at least three (smaller) aftershocks already, which is a positive sign," he said, adding that the quake was felt as far as the Peloponnese islands. "People in the capital must remain calm... they must be psychologically ready for more aftershocks," he said. News media reported electricity outages but said internet connections were still operating. Greece lies on major fault lines and is regularly hit by earthquakes, but they rarely cause casualties. In July 2017, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake killed two people on the island of Kos in the Aegean sea, causing significant damage.

Greece: 5.1-magnitude earthquake shakes Athens, knocks out phone service

The Acropolis and Slopes, archaeological site in the Athens, Greece were closed on Thursday and Friday afternoon due to high temperatures.

Greece briefly shuts down monuments

The Acropolis and Slopes, a world-famous archaeological site in the Greek capital Athens, were closed on Thursday and Friday afternoon due to high temperatures. The heatwave began hitting Greece starting last Tuesday, with temperatures higher than 38 degrees Celsius recorded from Wednesday to Friday. The Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, a department within the Greek Ministry of Culture, said on Wednesday that due to the heatwave, the site would remain closed from 13:00 to 17:00 on Thursday and Friday. The Acropolis and its Slopes are located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, with few trees available to provide shade for visitors against the scorching sun. In addition to hurting tourism, high temperatures are also affecting people's livelihoods.

Acropolis closes due to heatwave in Athens

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.

The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said.

Greece's meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade.

"The meteorological service had forecast that the temperature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius," said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex.

It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year.

Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens.

Greece shut the Acropolis Hill for a few hours on Thursday to protect visitors to one of the world's most popular tourist attractions from a heatwave that has engulfed Athens. The monument, home to the Parthenon temple that is visited by millions of tourists every year, was closed between 1000 and 1400 GMT on Thursday, authorities said. Greece's meteorological service had forecast temperatures peaking at 38 Celsius in Athens by midday, though the temperature on the Acropolis hill which overlooks the city is always higher due to its altitude and a lack of shade. "The meteorological service had forecast that the temperature felt on the hill would be forbidding, more than 44 degrees Celsius," said a spokeswoman for the Acropolis complex. It is the first time that hot weather has shut down the Acropolis this summer, though it also happened last year. Greece saw record tourist arrivals in 2018 of 33 million people and expects a similar number this year.

Greece shuts Acropolis Hill for few hours due to heatwave

North Macedonians were voting for a new president Sunday in the country's first election since changing its name, but there were fears that low turnout would render the poll invalid.

By mid-afternoon, the turnout stood at 29 per cent. The vote needs more than 40 per cent turnout for a decisive result.

The vote for the largely ceremonial post comes less than three months after a deal with Athens on the name change came into force, ending a decades-long identity dispute between the neighbours.

Candidates are Stevo Pendarovski, backed by the ruling leftwing government, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the rightwing opposition and Belrim Reka from the country's ethnic Albanian minority.

Gjorge Ivanov, the outgoing nationalist president, cannot run again, having served the maximum two terms.

"I came to vote out of a sense of duty, but I don't think there is any point," said Pavlina Gosheva, a 53-year old nurse from Skopje. "For us ordinary mortals it won't change anything."

Many voters are disillusioned with what they see as a corrupt political system and some observers say the vote could fail to attract sufficient numbers.

A referendum backed the country's name change to North Macedonia last September, but the result was undermined by turnout failing to reach 40 per cent.

Since it was only consultative, the government and parliament were free to go ahead with the historic name change anyway to settle a decades-old dispute with neighbouring Greece which will now no longer stand in the way of their EU or NATO membership applications.

But while the deal was welcomed in the European Union, many of the country's 1.8 million voters are more concerned with bread-and-butter issues such as jobs and earnings.

"I don't care about the candidates," said Jovan Dimitrovski, a 37-year-old IT engineer. "What counts for me is the economy but I don't see much coming our way."

The unemployment rate is running at more than 20 per cent, the average monthly wage is stuck at around $450&nbsp;and many people have emigrated, demoralised by what they see as a lack of opportunities for people without the right connections.

'Desperate'&nbsp;

Ljupco Nikovski, a 58-year-old police officer, said he was backing the opposition rightwing VMRO-DPMNE.

Nikovski said he had "never felt so desperate".

Emilija Stojanoska, 49, said her protests against the previous rightwing administration had not achieved anything.&nbsp;

The arrival of the Social Democrats in power with the backing of the country's ethnic Albanian parties had changed nothing, she said.

If a low turnout forces a re-run of the vote, it may trigger a fresh political crisis that would put pressure on Prime Minister Zoran Zaev's administration.

"Voting is an honour, a right and a civic duty," Zaev said.

He earlier talked down the risks of a low turnout, but also set out possible solutions to such a scenario.

They include a re-run of the election, doing away with the 40-per cent minimum threshold, or even giving parliament the power to appoint a president.

Nazim Rashidi, senior editor of the Albanian-language channel TV Alsat, said none of those proposals addressed the real problem.

"The apathy ... in particular that of young people, Macedonian and Albanians, is immense."

Politicians had failed to tackle unemployment, widespread corruption and nepotism or to launch much-needed judicial reforms, he added.

"A growing number think that their vote will not bring about significant change," law professor Dragan Gocevski said.

Voting started at 7:00 am, and runs until 7:00 pm.

North Macedonians were voting for a new president Sunday in the country's first election since changing its name, but there were fears that low turnout would render the poll invalid.

North Macedonians were voting for a new president Sunday in the country's first election since changing its name, but there were fears that low turnout would render the poll invalid. By mid-afternoon, the turnout stood at 29 per cent. The vote needs more than 40 per cent turnout for a decisive result. The vote for the largely ceremonial post comes less than three months after a deal with Athens on the name change came into force, ending a decades-long identity dispute between the neighbours. Candidates are Stevo Pendarovski, backed by the ruling leftwing government, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova of the rightwing opposition and Belrim Reka from the country's ethnic Albanian minority. Gjorge Ivanov, the outgoing nationalist president, cannot run again, having served the maximum two terms. "I came to vote out of a sense of duty, but I don't think there is any point," said Pavlina Gosheva, a 53-year old nurse from Skopje. "For us ordinary mortals it won't change anything." Many voters are disillusioned with what they see as a corrupt political system and some observers say the vote could fail to attract sufficient numbers. A referendum backed the country's name change to North Macedonia last September, but the result was undermined by turnout failing to reach 40 per cent. Since it was only consultative, the government and parliament were free to go ahead with the historic name change anyway to settle a decades-old dispute with neighbouring Greece which will now no longer stand in the way of their EU or NATO membership applications. But while the deal was welcomed in the European Union, many of the country's 1.8 million voters are more concerned with bread-and-butter issues such as jobs and earnings. "I don't care about the candidates," said Jovan Dimitrovski, a 37-year-old IT engineer. "What counts for me is the economy but I don't see much coming our way." The unemployment rate is running at more than 20 per cent, the average monthly wage is stuck at around $450 and many people have emigrated, demoralised by what they see as a lack of opportunities for people without the right connections. 'Desperate' Ljupco Nikovski, a 58-year-old police officer, said he was backing the opposition rightwing VMRO-DPMNE. Nikovski said he had "never felt so desperate". Emilija Stojanoska, 49, said her protests against the previous rightwing administration had not achieved anything. The arrival of the Social Democrats in power with the backing of the country's ethnic Albanian parties had changed nothing, she said. If a low turnout forces a re-run of the vote, it may trigger a fresh political crisis that would put pressure on Prime Minister Zoran Zaev's administration. "Voting is an honour, a right and a civic duty," Zaev said. He earlier talked down the risks of a low turnout, but also set out possible solutions to such a scenario. They include a re-run of the election, doing away with the 40-per cent minimum threshold, or even giving parliament the power to appoint a president. Nazim Rashidi, senior editor of the Albanian-language channel TV Alsat, said none of those proposals addressed the real problem. "The apathy ... in particular that of young people, Macedonian and Albanians, is immense." Politicians had failed to tackle unemployment, widespread corruption and nepotism or to launch much-needed judicial reforms, he added. "A growing number think that their vote will not bring about significant change," law professor Dragan Gocevski said. Voting started at 7:00 am, and runs until 7:00 pm.

Fears of low turnout mar North Macedonia vote

Athens on Friday installed its first Alexander the Great statue, a project mired in bureaucratic delays for nearly three decades.

The 3,50-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central Athens opposite a statue of Lord Byron.

According to the city of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/attackers-throw-explosive-at-russian-consulate-in-athens-204869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiigPad_9vhAhW863MBHWXmDMwQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw27DPxrVe_kjLFQFHp_36qM">Athens</a>, it was completed in 1972 and acquired by the state in 1992, at a time of intense nationalist feeling over a bitter name dispute with the newly-independent former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis insisted Friday the move had "nothing" to do with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-in-athens-as-tens-of-thousands-protest-macedonian-name-deal-191676&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiigPad_9vhAhW863MBHWXmDMwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2flBoPk7BW-5MH3P6F_opu">Macedonia </a>dispute.

"The decision to erect the statue was taken in 2015. This is a mark of the delays of Greek bureaucracy," Kaminis told AFP.

The fourth-century BC warrior king, born in today's northern Greek region of Macedonia, is a hero figure to Greeks.&nbsp;

For decades, Athens accused Skopje of seeking to usurp its ancient heritage.

Until now, there had also been no agreement in Athens on where to place the statue.

A decade ago, a nationalist government in Skopje launched an initiative to erect its own statues to Alexander and his father Philip.

In February, the former Yugoslav republic was officially renamed North Macedonia following a landmark deal with the leftist government in Greece that ended the three-decade dispute.

Earlier this month, North Macedonia renamed its main football stadium, formerly known as Philip II arena, after the father of Alexander the Great.

Skopje in recent months has also dropped Alexander the Great from the name of an airport and a highway.

Athens on Friday installed its first Alexander the Great statue, a project mired in bureaucratic delays for nearly three decades. The 3,50-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central Athens opposite a statue of Lord Byron.

Athens on Friday installed its first Alexander the Great statue, a project mired in bureaucratic delays for nearly three decades. The 3,50-metre equestrian statue of a young Alexander, cast in bronze, was erected in central Athens opposite a statue of Lord Byron. According to the city of Athens, it was completed in 1972 and acquired by the state in 1992, at a time of intense nationalist feeling over a bitter name dispute with the newly-independent former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis insisted Friday the move had "nothing" to do with the Macedonia dispute. "The decision to erect the statue was taken in 2015. This is a mark of the delays of Greek bureaucracy," Kaminis told AFP. The fourth-century BC warrior king, born in today's northern Greek region of Macedonia, is a hero figure to Greeks. For decades, Athens accused Skopje of seeking to usurp its ancient heritage. Until now, there had also been no agreement in Athens on where to place the statue. A decade ago, a nationalist government in Skopje launched an initiative to erect its own statues to Alexander and his father Philip. In February, the former Yugoslav republic was officially renamed North Macedonia following a landmark deal with the leftist government in Greece that ended the three-decade dispute. Earlier this month, North Macedonia renamed its main football stadium, formerly known as Philip II arena, after the father of Alexander the Great. Skopje in recent months has also dropped Alexander the Great from the name of an airport and a highway.

Athens installs Alexander the Great statue after 27-year delay

Attackers throw explosive at Russian consulate in Athens

Tens of thousands of Greeks rallied in Athens on Sunday to protest against a deal with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that settles a row between the two countries and is set for a vote in Greece's parliament next week.

Soon after the rally started at 1200 GMT, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters outside parliament as demonstrators chanted Macedonia is Greek and waved Greek flags.

The rally was one of the biggest demonstrations in Athens, over the Macedonia name agreement.

Many Greeks believe the name Macedonia implies a territorial claim over their country's own northern region of that name.

The issue evokes strong emotions among Greeks who consider Macedonia, the ancient kingdom ruled by Alexander the Great, to be an integral part of their homeland and heritage.

The accord clinched between Athens and Skopje was ratified by Macedonia’s parliament this month. Greek parliamentary endorsement is a necessary step for the tiny Balkan nation to start the process to join the European Union and NATO.

Tens of thousands of Greeks rallied in Athens on Sunday to protest against a deal with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that settles a row between the two countries and is set for a vote in Greece's parliament next week.

Tens of thousands of Greeks rallied in Athens on Sunday to protest against a deal with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that settles a row between the two countries and is set for a vote in Greece's parliament next week. Soon after the rally started at 1200 GMT, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters outside parliament as demonstrators chanted Macedonia is Greek and waved Greek flags. The rally was one of the biggest demonstrations in Athens, over the Macedonia name agreement. Many Greeks believe the name Macedonia implies a territorial claim over their country's own northern region of that name. The issue evokes strong emotions among Greeks who consider Macedonia, the ancient kingdom ruled by Alexander the Great, to be an integral part of their homeland and heritage. The accord clinched between Athens and Skopje was ratified by Macedonia’s parliament this month. Greek parliamentary endorsement is a necessary step for the tiny Balkan nation to start the process to join the European Union and NATO.

Greeks rally against Macedonia name accord, police fire tear gas

Protesters clash with police outside parliament during rally against Macedonia deal

An explosive device injured a police officer and a civilian when it detonated outside a church in central Athens early on Thursday, shortly before liturgy was due to start and without warning, police and state media said.

There was no claim of responsibility for the attack outside the Saint Dionysios church in the heavily policed, wealthy Kolonaki quarter which borders on Exarchia, a district where clashes between police and anarchists are common.

The blast occurred around 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), just before the church was due to open to the public for a service at 07:30 (0530 GMT).

The police officer and a second person - identified by state TV as the church caretaker - were taken to hospital and police cordoned off the area. Their injuries were not life threatening, health officials said.

Witnesses cited by state television suggested the caretaker called police after finding the package. There was no warning call that the device would go off. Police were checking footage from surveillance cameras in the area.

"The blast was not powerful, the officer was injured in the face and hands," a police official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters.

Police found remnants of a timing device at the site of the blast but it was unclear if it was remote-controlled, the police official said.

Small-scale attacks on businesses, state buildings, police and politicians are not uncommon in Greece, which has a long history of political violence.

"Why this attack at a time when people would gather at the church?" a priest at the church told reporters. "Why are they attacking the love of Christ, what are they trying to say?"

A powerful blast smashed windows and wrecked offices at Greece's SKAI TV in Athens earlier this month in what officials called an attack on democracy. No one was hurt, and no-one has claimed responsibility for that attack.

No one has so far claimed responsibility of the attack.

An explosive device injured a police officer and a civilian when it detonated outside a church in central Athens early on Thursday, shortly before liturgy was due to start and without warning, police and state media said. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack outside the Saint Dionysios church in the heavily policed, wealthy Kolonaki quarter which borders on Exarchia, a district where clashes between police and anarchists are common. The blast occurred around 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), just before the church was due to open to the public for a service at 07:30 (0530 GMT). The police officer and a second person - identified by state TV as the church caretaker - were taken to hospital and police cordoned off the area. Their injuries were not life threatening, health officials said. Witnesses cited by state television suggested the caretaker called police after finding the package. There was no warning call that the device would go off. Police were checking footage from surveillance cameras in the area. "The blast was not powerful, the officer was injured in the face and hands," a police official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters. Police found remnants of a timing device at the site of the blast but it was unclear if it was remote-controlled, the police official said. Small-scale attacks on businesses, state buildings, police and politicians are not uncommon in Greece, which has a long history of political violence. "Why this attack at a time when people would gather at the church?" a priest at the church told reporters. "Why are they attacking the love of Christ, what are they trying to say?" A powerful blast smashed windows and wrecked offices at Greece's SKAI TV in Athens earlier this month in what officials called an attack on democracy. No one was hurt, and no-one has claimed responsibility for that attack.

2 injured in explosion near church in central Athens

A bomb blast early Monday damaged a building in Athens housing the headquarters of Greece's private radio and television network Skai, but there were no casualties, police said.

Anti-terrorist police opened an investigation into the attack that focused on Greek extremist groups.

Attacks targeting broadcasting groups, public companies or embassies have been frequent in Greece in recent years, and have been blamed on anarchist or far-left groups.

The coalition government led by leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras condemned the blast as &nbsp;"an attack on democracy".

The homemade device went off at around 2:30am (0030 GMT), 45 minutes after an anonymous telephone warning to another TV network.

Police cordoned off the neighbourhood in the Athens suburb of Neo Phaliro and evacuated the building, which contains the offices of Skai, a group owned by the Alafouzos shipping family, as well as those of Kathimerini, a centre-right daily critical of the government.

Police said the bomb was placed near a fence around the building and smashed windows on the facade.

Skai said in a statement the blast caused "major damage".

"The terrorist attack will not discourage us..," it said, accusing the government of failing to do enough to protect the media despite "recurrent threats against the station."

The minister for civil protection, Olga Gerovassili, visited the site with police.

"The democracy is not threatened," she said, and warned those who "leave the way open to terrorism or fascism."

Last month a bomb was defused outside the Athens home of a controversial prosecutor. 
&nbsp;

A bomb blast early Monday damaged a building in Athens housing the headquarters of Greece's private radio and television network Skai, but there were no casualties, police said.

A bomb blast early Monday damaged a building in Athens housing the headquarters of Greece's private radio and television network Skai, but there were no casualties, police said. Anti-terrorist police opened an investigation into the attack that focused on Greek extremist groups. Attacks targeting broadcasting groups, public companies or embassies have been frequent in Greece in recent years, and have been blamed on anarchist or far-left groups. The coalition government led by leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras condemned the blast as "an attack on democracy". The homemade device went off at around 2:30am (0030 GMT), 45 minutes after an anonymous telephone warning to another TV network. Police cordoned off the neighbourhood in the Athens suburb of Neo Phaliro and evacuated the building, which contains the offices of Skai, a group owned by the Alafouzos shipping family, as well as those of Kathimerini, a centre-right daily critical of the government. Police said the bomb was placed near a fence around the building and smashed windows on the facade. Skai said in a statement the blast caused "major damage". "The terrorist attack will not discourage us..," it said, accusing the government of failing to do enough to protect the media despite "recurrent threats against the station." The minister for civil protection, Olga Gerovassili, visited the site with police. "The democracy is not threatened," she said, and warned those who "leave the way open to terrorism or fascism." Last month a bomb was defused outside the Athens home of a controversial prosecutor.

Bomb blast at Athens headquarters of media group

A bomb blast early Monday damaged a building in Athens housing the headquarters of Greece's private radio and television network Skai, but there were no casualties, police said.

Anti-terrorist police opened an investigation into the attack that focused on Greek extremist groups.

Attacks targeting broadcasting groups, public companies or embassies have been frequent in Greece in recent years, and have been blamed on anarchist or far-left groups.

The coalition government led by leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras condemned the blast as &nbsp;"an attack on democracy".

The homemade device went off at around 2:30 am&nbsp;(0030 GMT), 45 minutes after an anonymous telephone warning to another TV network.

Police cordoned off the neighbourhood in the Athens suburb of Neo Phaliro and evacuated the building, which contains the offices of Skai, a group owned by the Alafouzos shipping family, as well as those of Kathimerini, a centre-right daily critical of the government.

Police said the bomb was placed near a fence around the building and smashed windows on the facade.

Skai said in a statement the blast caused "major damage".

"The terrorist attack will not discourage us..," it said, accusing the government of failing to do enough to protect the media despite "recurrent threats against the station."

The minister for civil protection, Olga Gerovassili, visited the site with police.

"The democracy is not threatened," she said, and warned those who "leave the way open to terrorism or fascism."

Last month a bomb was defused outside the Athens home of a controversial prosecutor.

A bomb blast early Monday damaged a building in Athens housing the headquarters of Greece's private radio and television network Skai, but there were no casualties, police said. Anti-terrorist police opened an investigation into the attack that focused on Greek extremist groups. Attacks targeting broadcasting groups, public companies or embassies have been frequent in Greece in recent years, and have been blamed on anarchist or far-left groups. The coalition government led by leftist Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras condemned the blast as "an attack on democracy". The homemade device went off at around 2:30 am (0030 GMT), 45 minutes after an anonymous telephone warning to another TV network. Police cordoned off the neighbourhood in the Athens suburb of Neo Phaliro and evacuated the building, which contains the offices of Skai, a group owned by the Alafouzos shipping family, as well as those of Kathimerini, a centre-right daily critical of the government. Police said the bomb was placed near a fence around the building and smashed windows on the facade. Skai said in a statement the blast caused "major damage". "The terrorist attack will not discourage us..," it said, accusing the government of failing to do enough to protect the media despite "recurrent threats against the station." The minister for civil protection, Olga Gerovassili, visited the site with police. "The democracy is not threatened," she said, and warned those who "leave the way open to terrorism or fascism." Last month a bomb was defused outside the Athens home of a controversial prosecutor.

Clashes break out after Greeks march to mark 1973 student revolt

Three people were reported missing in Greece on Sunday after swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods in several parts of the country.

A rare type of tropical storm known as a Medicane began on Saturday and has so far mostly affected areas on the island of Evia, east of mainland Greece, and the southern Peloponnese peninsula.

State TV said that a young man and a middle-aged couple were missing in Evia. The civil protection service said that it had launched a search and rescue operation near the town of Mantoudi.

Ships were held at Greece's main ports and traffic was disrupted in many other areas across the country as roads flooded because of the heavy rain. Gale-force winds led to power cuts and falling trees across the country.

Firefighters have so far received more than 1,300 calls for assistance to help evacuate people trapped in cars and flooded homes and to remove downed trees and other debris.

TV images showed flooded streets turned into rivers in the wider area of Corinth in the Peloponnese and massive sea waves crashing into the shores of coastal towns in the region.

"The Peloponnese is holding on despite the impact and the side effects of this extreme weather phenomenon," said regional governor Petros Tatoulis, adding that homes, fields and state infrastructure had suffered damage.

Temperatures plunged unexpectedly by up to 10 degrees Celsius this week. Wind speeds topped 100 km (56 miles) per hour in several areas and were forecast to intensify.

The civil protection service warned that northern and central Greece could also be affected on Sunday and called on citizens to take self-protection measures.

Authorities were also concerned that the tropical storm could bring mudslides and floods in the wider Athens area, which was recently hit by deadly fires and flash floods.

In August blazes in the area of Mati killed at least 99 people. Last year 24 people were killed and scores were left homeless after a rain-swollen torrent swept through two coastal towns west of the capital.

Three people were reported missing in Greece on Sunday after swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods in several parts of the country. A rare type of tropical storm known as a Medicane began on Saturday and has so far mostly affected areas on the island of Evia, east of mainland Greece, and the southern Peloponnese peninsula.

Three people were reported missing in Greece on Sunday after swirling winds and torrential rain brought flash floods in several parts of the country. A rare type of tropical storm known as a Medicane began on Saturday and has so far mostly affected areas on the island of Evia, east of mainland Greece, and the southern Peloponnese peninsula. State TV said that a young man and a middle-aged couple were missing in Evia. The civil protection service said that it had launched a search and rescue operation near the town of Mantoudi. Ships were held at Greece's main ports and traffic was disrupted in many other areas across the country as roads flooded because of the heavy rain. Gale-force winds led to power cuts and falling trees across the country. Firefighters have so far received more than 1,300 calls for assistance to help evacuate people trapped in cars and flooded homes and to remove downed trees and other debris. TV images showed flooded streets turned into rivers in the wider area of Corinth in the Peloponnese and massive sea waves crashing into the shores of coastal towns in the region. "The Peloponnese is holding on despite the impact and the side effects of this extreme weather phenomenon," said regional governor Petros Tatoulis, adding that homes, fields and state infrastructure had suffered damage. Temperatures plunged unexpectedly by up to 10 degrees Celsius this week. Wind speeds topped 100 km (56 miles) per hour in several areas and were forecast to intensify. The civil protection service warned that northern and central Greece could also be affected on Sunday and called on citizens to take self-protection measures. Authorities were also concerned that the tropical storm could bring mudslides and floods in the wider Athens area, which was recently hit by deadly fires and flash floods. In August blazes in the area of Mati killed at least 99 people. Last year 24 people were killed and scores were left homeless after a rain-swollen torrent swept through two coastal towns west of the capital.

Three people missing as cyclone brings flash floods in Greece

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was accused&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;of surrendering part of his nation's identity, as a deal he struck to settle a name dispute with Macedonia prompted a barrage of criticism from opposition politicians and media.

Under the agreement announced by Athens and Skopje&nbsp;on Tuesday, the Balkan state known as Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" would henceforth be called the "Republic of Northern Macedonia".

The accord would open the way for the small nation's eventual membership of the European Union and NATO, currently blocked by Greece's objections to its current name.

But conservative opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called it "deeply problematic", because the majority of Greeks were against it and Tsipras lacked the political legitimacy to sign it.

"We are in a situation that is unprecedented in Greece's constitutional history. A prime minister without a clear parliamentary mandate willing to commit the country to a reality which will not be possible to change," Mitsotakis said.

The accord requires ratification by both countries' parliaments, and the junior partner in Greece's coalition, the right wing Independent Greeks party, has said it does not back any deal that gives away the name Macedonia.

That chimes in with the view of many ordinary Greeks, who feel the name implies territorial claims on a northern Greek province of the same name, the birthplace of national hero Alexander the Great.

The name dispute has soured bilateral relations since 1991, when Greece's northern neighbour declared its independence from former Yugoslavia under the name Republic of Macedonia.

In a front-page editorial conservative daily Eleftheros Typos called the agreement "the surrender of the Macedonian identity and language," while centre-right Kathimerini referred to "a deal with gaps and question marks".

Responding to the conservatives, Deputy Foreign Minister George Katrougkalos said the deal would put an end to the perpetuation of the name Macedonia as an identifier for the Balkan state.

"If they believe this (that the government does not have the legitimacy), they have the means ... to question it with a no-confidence motion. Why aren't they doing it?" Katrougkalos told Greek Skai TV.

Centre-left daily Ta Nea newspaper said that, while the historian of the future would have the luxury of time to assess the deal, "until then one must keep in mind that there are no compromises without concessions."

Activist group The Committee for The Hellenic Identity of Macedonia said it would organise protests in Athens and northern Greece if the deal went ahead and urged lawmakers not to ratify it.

"We peacefully assert that they have no right to sign (a deal) against Greek people's will," they wrote on Facebook.

Mikis Theodorakis, who composed the music to the film 'Zorba the Greek', said the agreement would "stigmatise us forever" if it went ahead.

'We peacefully assert that they have no right to sign (a deal) against Greek people's will,' they wrote on Facebook

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was accused on Wednesday of surrendering part of his nation's identity, as a deal he struck to settle a name dispute with Macedonia prompted a barrage of criticism from opposition politicians and media. Under the agreement announced by Athens and Skopje on Tuesday, the Balkan state known as Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" would henceforth be called the "Republic of Northern Macedonia". The accord would open the way for the small nation's eventual membership of the European Union and NATO, currently blocked by Greece's objections to its current name. But conservative opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called it "deeply problematic", because the majority of Greeks were against it and Tsipras lacked the political legitimacy to sign it. "We are in a situation that is unprecedented in Greece's constitutional history. A prime minister without a clear parliamentary mandate willing to commit the country to a reality which will not be possible to change," Mitsotakis said. The accord requires ratification by both countries' parliaments, and the junior partner in Greece's coalition, the right wing Independent Greeks party, has said it does not back any deal that gives away the name Macedonia. That chimes in with the view of many ordinary Greeks, who feel the name implies territorial claims on a northern Greek province of the same name, the birthplace of national hero Alexander the Great. The name dispute has soured bilateral relations since 1991, when Greece's northern neighbour declared its independence from former Yugoslavia under the name Republic of Macedonia. In a front-page editorial conservative daily Eleftheros Typos called the agreement "the surrender of the Macedonian identity and language," while centre-right Kathimerini referred to "a deal with gaps and question marks". Responding to the conservatives, Deputy Foreign Minister George Katrougkalos said the deal would put an end to the perpetuation of the name Macedonia as an identifier for the Balkan state. "If they believe this (that the government does not have the legitimacy), they have the means ... to question it with a no-confidence motion. Why aren't they doing it?" Katrougkalos told Greek Skai TV. Centre-left daily Ta Nea newspaper said that, while the historian of the future would have the luxury of time to assess the deal, "until then one must keep in mind that there are no compromises without concessions." Activist group The Committee for The Hellenic Identity of Macedonia said it would organise protests in Athens and northern Greece if the deal went ahead and urged lawmakers not to ratify it. "We peacefully assert that they have no right to sign (a deal) against Greek people's will," they wrote on Facebook. Mikis Theodorakis, who composed the music to the film 'Zorba the Greek', said the agreement would "stigmatise us forever" if it went ahead.

Greek PM faces domestic backlash over Macedonia name deal

The eurozone bailout fund ESM decided on Friday to hold off the disbursement of a 1 billion euro loan tranche for Greece to wait for confirmation from Athens it fulfilled the condition of arrears clearance for the release of the money.

An ESM spokesman said Greece made satisfactory progress to meet the conditions for the release of the loan but not quite.

"Confirmation from the Greek authorities is still needed that some payments for arrears clearance are fully executed. This is necessary in order to take the decision on the release of the remaining 1 billion euros," the spokesman said.

"Therefore the ESM Board of Directors decided today in Paris to postpone its decision on this issue," he said.

The money is available until June 15.

Greece made satisfactory progress to meet the conditions for the release of the loan but not quite

The eurozone bailout fund ESM decided on Friday to hold off the disbursement of a 1 billion euro loan tranche for Greece to wait for confirmation from Athens it fulfilled the condition of arrears clearance for the release of the money. An ESM spokesman said Greece made satisfactory progress to meet the conditions for the release of the loan but not quite. "Confirmation from the Greek authorities is still needed that some payments for arrears clearance are fully executed. This is necessary in order to take the decision on the release of the remaining 1 billion euros," the spokesman said. "Therefore the ESM Board of Directors decided today in Paris to postpone its decision on this issue," he said. The money is available until June 15.

Eurozone holds off on 1 billion euro tranche for Greece

Greek Communist Party,- KKE supporters on Monday attempted to take down the statue of former US president Harry Truman in Athens as a medium of protest against Syria air strike carried out by the United State along with Britain and France.

Protesters used a metal grinder to try to cut off the statue's feet and tug it down with ropes before riot police intervened and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The statue suffered minor damage. At least three protesters were injured, with blood trickling from their heads, a Reuters witness said.

Several hundred KKE supporters joined a march to the US&nbspEmbassy, a couple of miles from the statue, in the third demonstration in Athens against Saturday's air strikes on what Western powers said were Syrian chemical weapons installations.

"What we did today is a symbolic move against the US&nbspand the war (in Syria)," said Yorgos Perros, a member of the communist-affiliated union PAME. "The statue is a symbol of imperialism and the United States in Greece."

The 12-foot, bronze Truman statue, also not far from the prime minister`s office, has been a regular target of protesters who have vandalised or attacked it with paint against what they call American "imperialism" in Greece.

Many also believe Washington backed the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967-74 as well as the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 following a brief Greek-backed coup.

The statue had to be removed and restored in 1986 after being bombed. Truman was US&nbsppresident from 1945 to 1953.

Greek Communist Party,- KKE supporters on Monday attempted to take down the statue of former US president Harry Truman in Athens as a medium of protest against Syria air strike carried out by the United State along with Britain and France

Greek Communist Party,- KKE supporters on Monday attempted to take down the statue of former US president Harry Truman in Athens as a medium of protest against Syria air strike carried out by the United State along with Britain and France. Protesters used a metal grinder to try to cut off the statue's feet and tug it down with ropes before riot police intervened and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The statue suffered minor damage. At least three protesters were injured, with blood trickling from their heads, a Reuters witness said. Several hundred KKE supporters joined a march to the US&nbspEmbassy, a couple of miles from the statue, in the third demonstration in Athens against Saturday's air strikes on what Western powers said were Syrian chemical weapons installations. "What we did today is a symbolic move against the US&nbspand the war (in Syria)," said Yorgos Perros, a member of the communist-affiliated union PAME. "The statue is a symbol of imperialism and the United States in Greece." The 12-foot, bronze Truman statue, also not far from the prime minister`s office, has been a regular target of protesters who have vandalised or attacked it with paint against what they call American "imperialism" in Greece. Many also believe Washington backed the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967-74 as well as the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 following a brief Greek-backed coup. The statue had to be removed and restored in 1986 after being bombed. Truman was US&nbsppresident from 1945 to 1953.

Greek communists vandalised Truman statue to protest against Syria air strike

Five people were injured on Sunday after a group of eight people attacked an anti-fascist centre in the Greek port of Piraeus, police said.&nbsp;

The attackers, suspected of being members of the far-right, stormed the Favela Free Social Centre in the port city near Athens, holding torches and iron bars.&nbsp;

Two people were taken to a hospital.&nbsp;

&quot;Today in the afternoon while we opened our centre for our weekly meeting, we were attacked by a group of Golden Dawn members with iron bars, helmets and flares,&quot; a post on the Facebook page of the Favela Free Social Centre read, referring to Greece&#39;s far-right, neo-Nazi party.

Among those wounded by the attackers was a woman that had a connection with Pavlos Fyssas, the anti-fascist rapper killed by Golden Dawn members in September 2013, according to police sources.

A total of 70 Golden Dawn lawmakers and party officials are on trial on a wide range of charges, including membership of a criminal organisation linked to the fatal stabbing of Fyssas and several other charges.

The neo-Nazi party remains the fourth largest in the Greek parliament.

The Favela centre was also attacked last August, and four people were arrested by the counter-terrorism unit, according to Athens News Agency.

The attackers, suspected of being members of the far-right, stormed the Favela Free Social Centre in the port city near Athens, holding torches and iron bars

Five people were injured on Sunday after a group of eight people attacked an anti-fascist centre in the Greek port of Piraeus, police said. The attackers, suspected of being members of the far-right, stormed the Favela Free Social Centre in the port city near Athens, holding torches and iron bars. Two people were taken to a hospital. "Today in the afternoon while we opened our centre for our weekly meeting, we were attacked by a group of Golden Dawn members with iron bars, helmets and flares," a post on the Facebook page of the Favela Free Social Centre read, referring to Greece's far-right, neo-Nazi party. Among those wounded by the attackers was a woman that had a connection with Pavlos Fyssas, the anti-fascist rapper killed by Golden Dawn members in September 2013, according to police sources. A total of 70 Golden Dawn lawmakers and party officials are on trial on a wide range of charges, including membership of a criminal organisation linked to the fatal stabbing of Fyssas and several other charges. The neo-Nazi party remains the fourth largest in the Greek parliament. The Favela centre was also attacked last August, and four people were arrested by the counter-terrorism unit, according to Athens News Agency.

Five injured after attack on Greek anti-fascist centre

Firefighters on Monday battled to contain a wildfire northeast of Athens as high winds caused the blaze to spread overnight after it damaged dozens of homes at a coastal village northeast of the Greek capital.

More than 160 firefighters with 68 fire engines, two water-dropping helicopters, and two fire-fighting planes tackled the blaze, which broke out in Kalamos, a coastal area 45 km northeast of Athens and had spread to the nearby town of Varnavas.

&quot;There are many fronts but the biggest one is at Varnavas. There is a lot of water consumption as people hose down their homes and as a result, not enough water,&quot; the vice-prefect of eastern Attica, Nikos Filippou, told Skai TV.

Thick smoke billowed over as the blaze burned pine forest.

Fire brigade officials reported no injuries had been reported but at least a dozen houses were heavily damaged.

Authorities had ordered a precautionary evacuation of two youth camps in the area.

Hundreds of residents fled the area of Kalamos, heading to the beach to spend the night.

&quot;It was a terrible mess, that&#39;s what it was. You could see homes on fire, people running, people desperate, it was chaos and the fire was very big,&quot; said a resident of Kalamos village.

The cause of the fire was unknown, but summer wildfires are common in Greece. More than 70 died in 2007 during the worst fires in decades.

Hundreds of residents fled the area of Kalamos, heading to the beach to spend the night

Firefighters on Monday battled to contain a wildfire northeast of Athens as high winds caused the blaze to spread overnight after it damaged dozens of homes at a coastal village northeast of the Greek capital. More than 160 firefighters with 68 fire engines, two water-dropping helicopters, and two fire-fighting planes tackled the blaze, which broke out in Kalamos, a coastal area 45 km northeast of Athens and had spread to the nearby town of Varnavas. "There are many fronts but the biggest one is at Varnavas. There is a lot of water consumption as people hose down their homes and as a result, not enough water," the vice-prefect of eastern Attica, Nikos Filippou, told Skai TV. Thick smoke billowed over as the blaze burned pine forest. Fire brigade officials reported no injuries had been reported but at least a dozen houses were heavily damaged. Authorities had ordered a precautionary evacuation of two youth camps in the area. Hundreds of residents fled the area of Kalamos, heading to the beach to spend the night. "It was a terrible mess, that's what it was. You could see homes on fire, people running, people desperate, it was chaos and the fire was very big," said a resident of Kalamos village. The cause of the fire was unknown, but summer wildfires are common in Greece. More than 70 died in 2007 during the worst fires in decades.

Firefighters battle spreading wildfire near Athens

More than 2,500 years ago, an Athenian nobleman named Cylon,&nbsp;the first recorded Olympic champion,&nbsp;tried to take over the city of Athens and install himself as its sole ruler.

According to Thucydides and Herodotus, Athenian and Greek historians who wrote about the coup, Cylon enticed an army of followers to enter the city and lay siege to the Acropolis. They were defeated, but Cylon managed to escape.

Now archaeologists in Athens believe they may have found some of the remains of Cylon&#39;s army in a mass grave in Phaleron, four miles (6 kilometres) south of downtown Athens.

The discovery of the 80 skeletons of men is &quot;unequalled&quot; in Greece, said site project director Stella Chrysoulaki.

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More than 2,500 years ago, an Athenian nobleman named Cyclon tried to take over Athens and become sole ruler. Now archaeologists believe they may have found some of the remains of his army in a mass grave in Phaleron 6, kms south of downtown Athens. (AFP)
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&nbsp;

The men, young and well-fed, were found lying in the unmarked grave in three rows, some on their backs while others were tossed facedown on their stomachs. All of the men had their hands in iron chains and at least 52 of them had their hands tied above their heads.

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A photo taken on July 7, 2017 shows a human skeleton with the hands tied in the back stored in a lab at the American School of Archaeology in Athens. (AFP)
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They died from blows to the head, victims of a &quot;political execution&quot; that dates back to between 675 and 650 BC according to pieces of pottery found in the grave, Chrysoulaki said.

At the time, Athens was just being formed and the city was transitioning towards a democracy, Eleanna Prevedorou, a bioarchaeological researcher on the project, said. And it was happening &quot;against a backdrop of political turmoil, tensions between tyrants, aristocrats and the working class,&quot; she added.

&nbsp;

&#39;Crime Scene Investigation&#39;&nbsp;

Bioarchaeological scientists use forensic research, such as DNA profiling, to investigate and ultimately uncover how humans lived and died by examining skeletons.

&quot;We are going to use, roughly speaking, the methods made famous by television series on forensics crime science,&quot; joked Panagiotis Karkanas, laboratory director and geoarchaeologist at the Malcolm H&nbsp;Wiener Laboratory at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens.

Probably the most famous of these TV series, CBS&#39; &quot;CSI: Crime Scene Investigation&quot;, which chronicles the cases of an elite team of police forensics investigators, has spawned the shorthand CSI to describe the technology the agents use. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Karkanas&#39; team, though technically not crime scene investigators, will apply similar high-tech methods using some of the same tools.

They will perform a battery of tests -- particularly gene, radiographic and isotopic analyses -- to uncover the mysteries hidden inside each skull and skeleton fragment.

Whatever clues they gather will give them an idea of how old the men were, whether they were related, where they came from, how healthy they were, and where they stood on the socioeconomic ladder of the times.

But unlike crime dramas, where investigators reveal exactly how and why the crime took place, this cold case will likely not be resolved for five to seven years.

&nbsp;

1,500 skeletons

The mass grave was uncovered in spring last year in one of the largest excavation sites Greece has ever unearthed.

Though the site was found a century ago, large-scale excavation of the complex only began in 2012, when archaeologists discovered a large cemetery containing over 1,500 skeletons dating back to between the eighth and fifth century BC. More than 100 of them bore the marks of a violent death.

Other small-scale excavations since then have unearthed other treasures, including the group of men believed to be part of Cylon&#39;s army. Many of the skeletons found were bound or shackled, and facedown in unmarked graves, sometimes in sandy holes barely big enough to hold a body.

Other skeletons were buried in open pits, placed on funeral pyres and in jars, the preferred coffins at the time for infants and small children.

According to researchers, the cemetery measures about 4,000 square metres (372 square feet) and all 1,500 skeletons will eventually be taken to the laboratory&#39;s facilities for proper study.

At least 10 of the 80 men found are headed to the lab later this year, while the rest will stay as part of an upcoming exposition on the excavation site.&nbsp;

One of the skeletons already at the lab, with his arms twisted behind his back, is a reflection of past Athenian violence. He could have been a &quot;prisoner of war, a criminal or a runaway slave,&quot; Prevedorou said.

&nbsp;

A story to tell&nbsp;

Even the nonviolent deaths, or deaths without historical reference,&nbsp;notably the hundreds of children&#39;s remains found in jars,&nbsp;have a story to tell, Karkanas said. The bones could reveal the children&#39;s lifestyles and diseases, shedding more light on ancient Athenian culture and history.

Most of the recorded ancient history on Athens and Greek life describes the &quot;elite and the victors,&quot; Karkanas added. But to rely solely on those testimonies to understand the past would be like &quot;reading newspapers today to find out what&#39;s going on in the world right now&quot;.&nbsp;

The 80 skeletons may be the army that lay siege to ancient Athens raised by Cylon, a nobleman and the first-ever Olympic champion

More than 2,500 years ago, an Athenian nobleman named Cylon, the first recorded Olympic champion, tried to take over the city of Athens and install himself as its sole ruler. According to Thucydides and Herodotus, Athenian and Greek historians who wrote about the coup, Cylon enticed an army of followers to enter the city and lay siege to the Acropolis. They were defeated, but Cylon managed to escape. Now archaeologists in Athens believe they may have found some of the remains of Cylon's army in a mass grave in Phaleron, four miles (6 kilometres) south of downtown Athens. The discovery of the 80 skeletons of men is "unequalled" in Greece, said site project director Stella Chrysoulaki. More than 2,500 years ago, an Athenian nobleman named Cyclon tried to take over Athens and become sole ruler. Now archaeologists believe they may have found some of the remains of his army in a mass grave in Phaleron 6, kms south of downtown Athens. (AFP) × The men, young and well-fed, were found lying in the unmarked grave in three rows, some on their backs while others were tossed facedown on their stomachs. All of the men had their hands in iron chains and at least 52 of them had their hands tied above their heads. A photo taken on July 7, 2017 shows a human skeleton with the hands tied in the back stored in a lab at the American School of Archaeology in Athens. (AFP) × They died from blows to the head, victims of a "political execution" that dates back to between 675 and 650 BC according to pieces of pottery found in the grave, Chrysoulaki said. At the time, Athens was just being formed and the city was transitioning towards a democracy, Eleanna Prevedorou, a bioarchaeological researcher on the project, said. And it was happening "against a backdrop of political turmoil, tensions between tyrants, aristocrats and the working class," she added. 'Crime Scene Investigation' Bioarchaeological scientists use forensic research, such as DNA profiling, to investigate and ultimately uncover how humans lived and died by examining skeletons. "We are going to use, roughly speaking, the methods made famous by television series on forensics crime science," joked Panagiotis Karkanas, laboratory director and geoarchaeologist at the Malcolm H Wiener Laboratory at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. Probably the most famous of these TV series, CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", which chronicles the cases of an elite team of police forensics investigators, has spawned the shorthand CSI to describe the technology the agents use. Karkanas' team, though technically not crime scene investigators, will apply similar high-tech methods using some of the same tools. They will perform a battery of tests -- particularly gene, radiographic and isotopic analyses -- to uncover the mysteries hidden inside each skull and skeleton fragment. Whatever clues they gather will give them an idea of how old the men were, whether they were related, where they came from, how healthy they were, and where they stood on the socioeconomic ladder of the times. But unlike crime dramas, where investigators reveal exactly how and why the crime took place, this cold case will likely not be resolved for five to seven years. 1,500 skeletons The mass grave was uncovered in spring last year in one of the largest excavation sites Greece has ever unearthed. Though the site was found a century ago, large-scale excavation of the complex only began in 2012, when archaeologists discovered a large cemetery containing over 1,500 skeletons dating back to between the eighth and fifth century BC. More than 100 of them bore the marks of a violent death. Other small-scale excavations since then have unearthed other treasures, including the group of men believed to be part of Cylon's army. Many of the skeletons found were bound or shackled, and facedown in unmarked graves, sometimes in sandy holes barely big enough to hold a body. Other skeletons were buried in open pits, placed on funeral pyres and in jars, the preferred coffins at the time for infants and small children. According to researchers, the cemetery measures about 4,000 square metres (372 square feet) and all 1,500 skeletons will eventually be taken to the laboratory's facilities for proper study. At least 10 of the 80 men found are headed to the lab later this year, while the rest will stay as part of an upcoming exposition on the excavation site. One of the skeletons already at the lab, with his arms twisted behind his back, is a reflection of past Athenian violence. He could have been a "prisoner of war, a criminal or a runaway slave," Prevedorou said. A story to tell Even the nonviolent deaths, or deaths without historical reference, notably the hundreds of children's remains found in jars, have a story to tell, Karkanas said. The bones could reveal the children's lifestyles and diseases, shedding more light on ancient Athenian culture and history. Most of the recorded ancient history on Athens and Greek life describes the "elite and the victors," Karkanas added. But to rely solely on those testimonies to understand the past would be like "reading newspapers today to find out what's going on in the world right now".

Archaeologists go high-tech in 2,500-year-old Greek cold case

Attackers on a motorcycle threw an explosive device, possibly a hand grenade, at the French embassy in central Athens early on Thursday, wounding a security guard, police said.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack on the building opposite parliament, in one of Athens`s best-guarded areas. The attack occurred less than a week before US&nbsp;President Barack Obama visits Greece on November&nbsp;15-16.

&quot;It was probably a hand grenade,&quot; one police official told Reuters. The building was not damaged but one officer there was slightly injured, the official said.

&quot;Greek police will carry out their duty to identify the perpetrators and guarantee the protection of all citizens,&quot; government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said.&nbsp; 
The attackers were riding a motorcycle, according to footage from security cameras, another police official said.

Small-scale attacks on businesses, police, politicians and embassies are frequent in Greece, with its long history of political violence. Left-wing urban guerrilla groups often claim responsibility.

Greece&#39;s finance ministry, also close to parliament, was evacuated on Thursday following a bomb threat which turned to be a hoax, police said.

(Reuters)

The attack occurred less than a week before US?President Barack Obama visits Greece on November?15-16

Attackers on a motorcycle threw an explosive device, possibly a hand grenade, at the French embassy in central Athens early on Thursday, wounding a security guard, police said. No one claimed responsibility for the attack on the building opposite parliament, in one of Athens`s best-guarded areas. The attack occurred less than a week before US President Barack Obama visits Greece on November 15-16. "It was probably a hand grenade," one police official told Reuters. The building was not damaged but one officer there was slightly injured, the official said. "Greek police will carry out their duty to identify the perpetrators and guarantee the protection of all citizens," government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said. The attackers were riding a motorcycle, according to footage from security cameras, another police official said. Small-scale attacks on businesses, police, politicians and embassies are frequent in Greece, with its long history of political violence. Left-wing urban guerrilla groups often claim responsibility. Greece's finance ministry, also close to parliament, was evacuated on Thursday following a bomb threat which turned to be a hoax, police said. (Reuters)

Small explosion outside French embassy in Athens, police say

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