Violence continues in Greece

Violent protests continued yesterday in Greece, a country which has been paralyzed by the second day of the strike which began in protest against the government"s austerity measures, due to pressure from its international creditors.

Violent clashes in Athens took place not just between protesters and the Police, but between protesters as well, and at least ten people required medical attention, according to the international press.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered before the Parliament"s building in Athens, where the vote on the austerity measures was being held. "We came here to bring down the government! We want a new government, one that will take the interest of the people into account", protesters were shouting.

The Greek authorities are almost certain that the EU and the IMF will give Greece the 8 billion Euros loan which the country needs to avoid default, according to a draft statement obtained by Associated Press.

The same document states that European leaders will postpone until the end of November the agreement for the second Greek bailout package, of 109 billion dollars. The European Commission intended to complete the agreement this weekend, to eliminate uncertainty over the state of the country"s finances.

The draft statement prepared for the summit of the European leaders, scheduled to take place on October 23rd, states: "We will attempt to draft a new multi-annual sustainable and credible EU-IMF program by the end of the month".

The first bailout to be used by Greece amounts to 110 billion Euros.