Greek strikes and protests pass off peacefully

With tens of thousands on the streets once more today's protest marches have proved to be much more sombre and peaceful than those two weeks ago which saw the death of three bank employees who died after their branch was set on fire.

In the northern port city of Thessaloniki about 10,000 people took part in two marches organised by the country's trade unions and other political groups. With riot police keeping a discrete distance the march finished peacefully in start contrast with the May 5th which saw extensive clashes across the centre of the city as the police stuggled to contain protesters, some of who attacked banks and shops owned by foreign franchises.