Transport is cut in four places along the Athens-Thessaloniki, Egnatia national roads

Despite their appointment with the Rural Development minister, farmers continue blocking the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, Egnatia and the border stations, cutting Greece into two.After the meeting, Mr Hatzigakis said that decisions on the amounts to be given for crucial products would be made in the coming days.

Greek farmers have blocked several main links along the national road network. Thessaly, Macedonia and Crete farmers protest against low prices of farm products and high production cost.

Transport is cut in four places along the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, in Tembi, Nikaia near Larissa, Mikrothires in Magnisia, Castro in Boiotia and Alamana in Fhtiotida.

Links to Promahona and Exohi customs stations on Greek-Bulgarian borders are also cut while farmers have seized Heraklio airport leading to cancellation of many flights.

The meeting between Rural Development Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis and Thessaly farmers has reached a deadlock. The farmers stated they would continue with their struggles and ask to meet with the Finance minister and the prime minister if the Rural Development Ministry does not come up with solutions.

From his side, Mr Hatzigakis described many of the farmers' demands just, adding that the government would find a solution within the framework of the EU's fiscal policy and its rules. Farmers from Crete failed to be present due to the adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, farmers continue to remain in several parts of the national road. Producers from Fthiotida, Viotia, Serres and Kavala refused to attend the meeting, demanding from the ministry to make its positions clear before any dialogue commences.

Despite their appointment with the Rural Development minister, farmers continue blocking the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, Egnatia and the border stations, cutting Greece into two.After the meeting, Mr Hatzigakis said that decisions on the amounts to be given for crucial products would be made in the coming days.

Moreover, he reported that out of the 28 billion euros given to banks, rural economy would receive its respective part. This means that loans will be given to rural industries. Once more, Mr Hatzigakis stressed that he is open for dialogue.

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