Greek police, youths clash over education reforms

ATHENS, Mar 8 (Reuters) Greek youths protesting against university reforms hurled petrol bombs and stones today at Athens riot police, who retaliated by firing tear gas as parliament voted in a new education bill.

Eyewitnesses said at least six people were slightly injured in the clashes, which broke out when scores of youths marching against the bill attacked police outside the parliament building with rocks and bottles.

Police said about 8,000 students and teachers marched to protest against the bill which regulates university funding and eases police access to campuses, chanting anti-government slogans and holding banners reading ''The people will not allow unpopular laws.'' The youths also set fire to a bank and a presidential guard post as well as breaking dozens of shop windows. The clashes, just metres (yards) from parliament, blocked the centre of Athens and forced tourists to take shelter indoors.

''The way the government has passed this law, it is no surprise that we have this kind of violence. Student have no other way to react but this,'' teacher Manolis Grigoriadis, who took part in the rally and watched the clashes, told Reuters.

Students and teachers say it does not address serious issues such as under-funding but instead does away with university asylum, an emotive issue since the 1967-1974 junta violently put down a student revolt with tanks, killing many in 1973.

After months of protests, hundreds of university departments still remain shut, taken over by students opposing the reforms.

The conservative government says the bill will help make Greece's troubled universities more competitive.

The clashes broke out right after parliament passed the government's education reform bill with 164 votes in favour and 117 against with 19 abstentions.

''The bill brought in by the Education Ministry has now been passed,'' house speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki told the house amid roaring applause from the ruling New Democracy party deputies.

The bill was introduced by the conservatives after plans to amend the constitution and allow the creation of private universities fell through when the opposition walked out of the house. Its support is necessary for any constitutional change.

Analysts have said the education bill, which brings no radical reforms to Greek universities, was a face-saving tactic in what could be an election year.

The conservatives, who came to power in 2004, have denied press speculation of snap elections ahead of the end of their term in early 2008.

REUTERS SP KP2333