Greece reopened its banks and started the process of paying off billions of euros owed to international creditors in the first signs of a return to normality after a deal to agree a new package of bailout reforms.

Greece is responding angrily to suggestions it should give up control of its budget, which may be the price of Europe's stepping in to save the country's economy.

Greek’s parliament has passed a deeply resented austerity Bill that has led to violent protests on the streets of Athens, despite some dissent from one Socialist politician.

Greek protesters rampaged outside parliament with firebombs and stones today, leaving one construction worker dead.

Greek anti-terrorist officers raided an Athens home and detained four people suspected of involvement in a small far-left group that police link with a morning bomb blast at the home of a prominent opposition politician.