|
In Nov.'99 huge anti-US demonstrations shook all major towns of Greece. The
occassion was Clinton's oncomming visit to Athens. So hostile was the atmosphere
in the country, that Clinton's scheduled 3-day visit was finally reduced to a
single day - and that too, under unprecedented security arrangements.
The already strong anti-us sentiments in Greege were further accentuated days
before Clinton's scheduled arrival, by the aggressive tone of the US.
administration and their humiliating demands, together with the submissive
response of the Greek government "Security measure" were enforced under the
direct orders of the US and was a total negation of any sense of national
sovereignty. Besides, the US was demanding unconditional compromise with the
Turkish regime on the problems concerning Cyprus and the Aegean Sea question.
On Nov 13, the day Clinton was to come to Greece as year the initial plan, a big
demonstration took place in Athens, as well as in the other cities of Greece.
Four days later on Nov.17 (anniversary of the 1973 anti-fascist,
anti-imperialist revolt), a huge march traversed the city of Athens, eulminating
at the US embassy. It was the biggest and most militant demonstration in recent
years, with the participation of tens of thousands of people. Similarly
demonstrations with an equally strong anti-US orientation took place in most
Greek cities. Fearing a further increase in militancy of the masses, the
government banned all demonstration on the day of Clinton's visit.
Despite this, demonstrations took place in Athens as well as in all big cities
of Greece. On Nov.19 & 20, all over Greece tens of thousands of people
demonstrated against US imperialism. The most important one was in Athens, at
the time Clinot was to arrive at the airport. Thousands of demonstrators marched
against the special forces which blocked the way to the US embassy. The
anti-riot police and the secret service agents transformed the whole city into a
battlefield.
They used thousands of tear gas and chemicals to disperse the protesters. The
people fought back and pitchaed battles ensued. Hundreds were wounded and 30
militants arrested, of which 13 have been charged with indulging in 'terrorist'
activities.
In these demonstrations the Marxist-Leninist forces played a major role. The
preparations against the Clinton visit began a month in advance. The AAM
(anti-war, anti-imperialist movement), which was formed in October, carried out
wide propaganda against US imperialism in all major cities of Greece. Tens of
thousands of posters and leaflets were distributed against imperialism and the
Greek Government. Many preparatory public meetings were organised all over
Greece. This laid the grounds for the final outburst in November.
With each passing U.S. imperialism is finding itself increasingly isolated from
the world's people and Clinton's oncomming visit to India in March is bound to
face a similar response.
|
