US Secretary of State Colin Powell has cancelled a controversial trip to Athens to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games due to a busy schedule, the State Department said. “Secretary of State Colin Powell informed Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis that, due to the press of business in Washington, the Secretary would not be able to travel to Athens to attend the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games,” spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement. Powell’s planned trip to Greece Saturday through Monday had sparked protests with hundreds of demonstrators marching in central Athens Friday to denounce his arrival. Riot police used tear gas to disperse a group of anti-globalization militants trying to march to the US embassy late Friday. Around 20 protestors hurled stones at police and adjacent stores and banks. A huge banner bearing the message “Powell killer go home” was also draped over a side of the ancient Acropolis hillside overnight by militants of the Greek Communist Party. Full Story
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