Greece Debt Protesters Clash with Athens Police

A general strike is planned for 5 May as talks on a bailout from Europe and the International Monetary Fund reach a climax. Photo by chattahbox.com

Protesters in Athens clashed with police as a group tried to force its way into the Greek finance ministry.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd as the unrest flared over austerity measures that may be taken in return for a massive bailout deal.

The European Union (EU) has said it is close to agreeing the details of an emergency rescue plan to serve Greece's crippling debt.

EU commissioner Olli Rehn said talks were "about to conclude" on the deal.

A police source said: "Around 500 people were demonstrating and some of them tried to break through a police cordon guarding the ministry."

There were also reports of further clashes erupting outside the parliament building in the city on Thursday night, the BBC reported.

The clashes came as anger grows at the cuts the country faces if it is to avoid a devastating debt default.

A general strike is planned for 5 May as talks on a bailout from Europe and the International Monetary Fund reach a climax.

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