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Problems Continue with Greek customs officers' strike |
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26/09/08-00:33
 As a result of the customs
officers' strike, petrol stations have dried up in most of Greece,
while shortages have been recorded in the market with foodstuffs.
Drivers have been queuing since early Thursday at petrol stations that
still have petrol, while long queues with trucks can be seen at customs
stations, as customs officers are continuing with their strike.
Meanwhile,
today's meeting between the Customs Officers Presidium and Deputy
Economy Minister Ant. Bezas has been described crucial, as it will
determine the future of the customs officers'Α mobilizations.
"It is
absurd that that a sector of well-paid public servants is trying to
take the Greek economy and society hostage, because they want to be in
charge of the special account, at a time when special accounts are to
be abolished in all ministries," commented State Minister Theodoros
Roussopoulos. He then went on to add that the Government would not back
down to practices of the past, further stressing that it would file a
petition to have the strike dismissed as illegal.
Head of SYRIZA's
(Coalition of the Radical Left) parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos
called on Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis to enter into a
dialogue with the customs'Α officers.
Thessaloniki Runs Dry
Those wishing to purchase unleaded oil should have coupons in most petrol stations inThessaloniki, while long queues with hundreds of trucks, cars and coaches can be seen at the Evzoni customs station in Kilkis.
In
an attempt to serve most consumers, petrol station owners are selling
not more than 20 euros of unleaded petrol per vehicle. Long queues of
vehicles can be seen in central and western Thessaloniki
and shorter ones in the eastern part of the city, with petrol station
owners warning that if the supply of petrol does not take immediately,
then petrol stations will begin closing Friday.
Finally,
the situation has been worsened due to the rain in Evzoni with truck
drivers being forced to remain in their vehicles. Many drivers have
abandoned their parked trucks at the Evzoni customs station, while the Thessaloniki port is congested.
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