Anti-war demonstrators waving red banners and rainbow flags began a day of protests today as the European Union prepared to sign a landmark enlargement deal in Athens.
More than 10,000 police officers patrolled the city, cordoning off the ancient city centre, and helicopters buzzed overhead amid fears the marches could turn violent.
About 3,000 demonstrators, chanting "Americans, killers," headed towards the US embassy. The number of protesters was expected to grow throughout the day.
The protests could embarrass Greece's Socialist government, midway through an EU presidency already troubled by Europe's sharp divisions over the war in Iraq.
Rally organisers targeted their anger at EU prime ministers who supported the conflict Mr Tony Blair - Spain's Mr Jose Maria Aznar, and Mr Silvio Berlusconi of Italy.
A large banner reading "Killers, Imperialists" was hung over the offices of British Airways offices.
Police buses and patrol cars blocked central city streets to keep the demonstrators 300 yards away from where leaders and top officials from 40 European countries and Turkey gathered.
The Acropolis and several other ancient sites and museums were closed to the public; road access to Athens's international airport was disrupted by the tight security.
The government declared a public holiday today in Athens, as city-wide traffic restrictions made commuting impossible.
AFP