[Gerald]

Clashes between riot police and protesters broke out in front of the parliament building in Athens.Greek riot police have fired tear gas and fought running battles with protesters, amid a 48-hour general strike that has paralysed the country.Some protesters hurled petrol bombs and stones at the police, as a march by tens of thousands of people in central Athens turned violent.Many Greeks are furious at plans being discussed in parliament to cut thousands of jobs and raise taxes.The government says the measures are needed to keep the economy afloat.Greece is struggling to reduce a huge government deficit amid fears it may default and set off a eurozone crisis.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15362678


Note: 19 October 2011 Last updated at 14:15 GMT