Protesting farmers insist on meeting with ministers

The Agricultural Development Ministry said on Monday night it was keeping lines of communication open with unionists representing farmers in Nikaia, central Greece, who were meeting to discuss whether to scale up their protest action.

Farmers have set up 23 roadblocks around Greece over the last two weeks, demanding tax breaks and lower production costs.

Following a meeting on Sunday, unionists had issued a call for dialogue to the government, saying they expected a response by 7 p.m. on Monday.

However, members of the national roadblock committee said on Monday they were in contact with Agricultural Development Minister Stavros Arachovitis and were waiting for him to inform them which government members will take part in a meeting they have demanded.

Farmers have rejected a meeting that will only include the leadership of the Agricultural Development Ministry, insisting that other ministers should be involved, including Deputy Prime Minister Yiannis Dragasakis.