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Athens buildings ablaze as Greeks battle riot police on eve of debt deal vote


Associated Press
Posted: 02/12/2012 11:44:49 AM PST
Updated: 02/12/2012 11:44:50 AM PST

Rioting spread across central Athens and buildings went up in flames amid mass protests, as lawmakers prepared to vote for a crucial debt deal needed to prevent bankruptcy.
Clashes erupted across the city center after more than 100,000 protesters marched to parliament to rally against drastic austerity cuts that will force firing in the civil service and slash the minimum wage.
Thick clouds of smoke and tear gas filled the air around parliament, as hundreds of rioters staged running battles with riot police and at least five buildings were in flames late Sunday.