This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-europe-13783224

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Greek PM Papandreou proposes unity coalition - state TV Greek PM Papandreou proposes unity coalition - state TV
(40 minutes later)
Greek PM George Papandreou has proposed a unity government as he tries to win support for austerity measures demanded by the EU and IMF, state TV reports.Greek PM George Papandreou has proposed a unity government as he tries to win support for austerity measures demanded by the EU and IMF, state TV reports.
Some reports said Mr Papandreou had even offered to step down, in talks with opposition leader Antonis Samaras.Some reports said Mr Papandreou had even offered to step down, in talks with opposition leader Antonis Samaras.
Mr Papandreou has been facing the risk of a revolt in his Pasok party over the controversial austerity package. Mr Papandreou has been facing the risk of a revolt in his Socialist party over the controversial austerity package.
Greek police clashed with protesters outside parliament over the measures, and unions held a general strike. Greek police clashed with anti-austerity protesters near parliament, and unions held a general strike.
Mr Papandreou is seeking support for a new austerity programme of 28bn euros (£24.6bn; $40.5bn) in cuts to take effect from 2012 to 2015.Mr Papandreou is seeking support for a new austerity programme of 28bn euros (£24.6bn; $40.5bn) in cuts to take effect from 2012 to 2015.
On Tuesday, one member of parliament defected from Mr Papandreou's Pasok party, leaving it with only 155 of the chamber's 300 seats. The conservative New Democracy party reportedly demanded that as a condition of agreeing to a unity government, Mr Papandreou should resign and the terms of the austerity package should be renegotiated.
At least one other Pasok deputy has threatened to vote against the new programme of cuts and privatisation of state assets, and a number of others are said to be wavering.
The EU and IMF are demanding the measures in return for the release of another 12bn euros in aid next month which Athens needs to pay off maturing debt.The EU and IMF are demanding the measures in return for the release of another 12bn euros in aid next month which Athens needs to pay off maturing debt.
EU commissioners were said to have a "profound sense of foreboding" about Greece and the future of the eurozone, according to leaked account of a meeting on Wednesday seen by the BBC.
'Crucial moment'
On Tuesday, one member of parliament defected from Mr Papandreou's socialist Pasok party, leaving it with only 155 of the chamber's 300 seats.
At least one other Pasok deputy has threatened to vote against the new programme of cuts and privatisation of state assets, and a number of others are said to be wavering.
Mr Papandreou also held talks on Wednesday with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, telling him that "a national effort" was required to push the austerity measures through.
"We are at a historically crucial moment and a time of crucial decisions," Mr Papandreou said, according to a transcript released by his office.
"In any case, we will move forward with this sense of responsibility and the necessary decisions."
Earlier, thousands of activists and unionists gathered in Syntagma square in Athens, near parliament.
Police estimated the size of the crowd at between 20,000 and 30,000, while local media reports put the number higher.
Some protesters tried to prevent Greek deputies from entering the parliament building to hold a debate on the austerity measures.
Police responded with tear gas, fighting running battles with demonstrators in the surrounding streets.
The general strike was the third in Greece this year.
Ports, public transport and banks were badly disrupted by the strike, while hospitals offered only emergency care.
Are you in Greece? What is your reaction to Mr Papandreou's proposal? Have you taken part in or witnessed the clashes? Send us your comments using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions