国际英语新闻：Greek politicians, labor unions and businessmen react strongly to violence

"We have fought for a free and democratic state. Every citizen has a right to protest, but not resort to violence," said main opposition party leader Antonis Samaras, accepting the convention of the Council, while also appealing for unity and calm.

Denouncing provocative attacks by far-right groups, Aleka Papariga, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Greece, on the other hand called on people to continue peaceful demonstrations to protect their rights.

Condemning violence and expressing similar doubts on the identity of troublemakers, Alexis Tsipras, head of Left coalition SYRIZA, also represented in parliament, repeated the proposal of holding a referendum on the austerity measures. The far-right Popular Orthodox Party (LAOS) in the mean time accused the Left parties of paving the way for violence by culminating mobilizations over the past few days.

Greek anarchists clash with riot police during a protest in downtown Athens, capital of Greece, May 5, 2010. Three people died in a fire that broke out at a bank and some 40 others injured on Wednesday during a massive protest against austerity measures which turned out to be a violence in downtown Athens.

"Murderers have no connection with labor unions and workers who protest peacefully. We condemn vandalism which defame our struggle and the largest gathering of the last three decades. We will continue our mobilization," said a statement by GSEE, the umbrella union of private sector employees, one of the unions which staged the nationwide general strike and protests.

"Once more time we face provocations that aim to damage our economy, our society and our democracy. We should all show reservation and unity," Petros Karellas, President of the Trade Chamber of Athens commented.

"Unfortunately we witnessed one more tragedy. We mourn victims and the image of Greece is hit. There is no more time. Order must be restored. Citizens do not accept these phenomena," said Konstantinos Michalos, Athens Commerce and Industry Chamber President.

"The City of Athens expresses condolences for the dead and anger for the new destructions by people who are not employees who protest in peace," Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis said.