Activists rally against gold mine

Police tried to block the crowd's march towards the Canadian consulate but the protest took place and ended peacefully.

Canada's Eldorado Gold Corp has been granted the rights to develop the mine in the Halkidiki peninsula.

But the issue has bitterly divided residents of the area, with some claiming that the mine will harm tourism and release toxic substances and others saying that the new jobs are welcome.

The mining company has already established a camp and is employing over 1,200 people.

Last week about 3,000 residents demonstrated in favour of the mine.

Elsewhere at the weekend, reserve airforce officers protested against pension and health cuts in Athens.

They were joined by thousands of retired army officers, many accompanied by their families, outside Greece's parliament.

Greece has resorted to severe cuts in pensions and wages, hitting retired servicepeople hard.

Also at the weekend, a group of 15 to 20 individuals attacked a police station in central Athens with firebombs, burning two motorcycles before escaping on foot.

A total of 10 firebombs were thrown at the station but the fires were put out quickly. No injuries or arrests were reported.