Greek communists protest for better wages, against unemployment

ATHENS (AFP) - More than 8,000 Greek communists demonstrated on the streets of Athens for jobs, better wages, and safer working conditions.
The demonstrators, members and supporters of Greece's KKE communist party, came from all over the country for the rally.
Party Secretary General Aleka Papariga addressed the crowd, denouncing the policies of the two main parties, the conservative ruling New Democracy party and the Socialist opposition party PASOK.
Banners read: "No tolerance of poverty," "No to the (European Union) agriculture policy," "No to dismissals, jobs for all"
The KKE is calling for the minimum monthly wage of some 600 euros (720 dollars) to be doubled, shorter working hours, and measures to reduce unemployment which stood at 11 percent in the first quarter of this year.
The KKE is the third party in parliament with 12 seats, obtaining 5.9 percent of the popular vote in a general election last March.