Protests hit Antwerp

Brussels: Dozens of Belgian truckers protesting against high fuel prices blocked roads into and out of the port of Antwerp, Europe…

Brussels: Dozens of Belgian truckers protesting against high fuel prices blocked roads into and out of the port of Antwerp, Europe's second busiest harbour for the first time yesterday. Brussels was the target of protests for the fourth day running.

Amsterdam: On the third day of protests wildcat blockades snarled Dutch motorways on Wednesday afternoon, but truck and taxi drivers kept most of the stoppages brief. They halted traffic at seven locations.

Berlin: The German Chancellor, Mr Gerhard Schroder, held firm against any fuel tax cuts yesterday as the German trucking federation announced a rally in Berlin later this month. writes Derek Scally. "Hasty tax policies can do nothing to change things," he told parliament yesterday, going on to accuse the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of recklessly "inciting intimidation".

Warsaw: Angry Polish truckers and fishermen yesterday threatened to block oil refineries and ports to protest against the high cost of fuel, Polish public radio reported. "The fisherman are so desperate that this might get out of control. That's the danger. The government must react," Maciej Dlouchy, president of the Polish Fishermens' Chamber, warned.