Acropolis reopens after strike ends

The Acropolis reopened yesterday after a labour dispute kept out thousands of visitors for three days from Greece's most famous monument - seen as an enduring symbol of ancient democracy.

Filing through a double line of riot police, tourists started entering the ancient site shortly after noon, as guards ended a five-hour strike.

The walkout came on the heels of a two-day blockade by hundreds of Culture Ministry employees, who were forcibly dispersed Thursday by riot police using tear gas.

Dozens of protesting ministry workers remained outside the gates after the Acropolis and its 2,500-year-old marble temples reopened, but made no move to block visitors. They complain they are owed up to two years' worth of back pay and face dismissal when their short-term contracts expire at the end of the month.