Greek group claims bomb attacks, protests Rice visit

ATHENS, Apr 24 (Reuters) An anarchist group today claimed responsibility for fire bomb attacks in Athens, saying they were aimed against a visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, while anti-war activists said they planned a mass protest.

Rice is due to meet Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and her Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyanni tomorrow as part of a five-day trip to Europe that also includes Turkey and Bulgaria.

The anarchist ''Anti-State Struggle'' group claimed it was behind a bomb blast earlier today outside a French carmaker Renault showroom and a failed attack against a McDonald's fast food outlet at the weekend. The firebombs damaged cars but caused no injuries.

The group said the makeshift bombs were planted in protest against Rice's visit and ''in solidarity with those who are fighting against capitalism''.

In a separate move, Greece's Communist Party KKE said it planned a rally in central Athens at 1230 hrs ist tomorrow, followed by a march to the US embassy to protest against threatened sanctions against Iran for its nuclear programme.

''Rice is not welcome. Her visit is against people's interests. It just heralds evils,'' the KKE said in a statement.

Iran is embroiled in a dispute with the West over its nuclear programme, which the United States says is designed to build bombs. Tehran says it only wants to generate electricity.

Washington has not ruled out military action against Iran.

Anti-war groups, opposed to US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, also said they planned protests.

The Stop the War and Greek Social Forum groups, which said they would hold protests in central Athens, said the visit offended the peace-loving feelings of Greek people.

''We will not let this war hawk visit Greece. We will fight to cancel the visit,'' Stop the War said in a statement.

REUTERS PR KP2002