Thousands protest Balkans syndrome and call Greeks home

ATHENS, Jan 11 (AFP) - Thousands marched the streets of Greece Thursday to protest the United States' use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions in the Balkans, and demanded that Greek peacekeepers posted there return home immediately.

   "US: assassin of the people!", "NATO out of the Balkans!", "Greece is not a protectorate!" the demonstrators chanted outside the EU office in Athens before stopping in front of the US embassy, where security was reinforced.

   Local journalists estimated around 3,000 pacifists, trade union members and Greek Communist Party (KKE) sympathisers took part in the protest.

   Other protests took place in the western city of Patras and various other towns in the north of the country.

   Around 1,500 KKE suporters marched outside the US consulate in the northern seaside city of Saloniki.

   Cases of leukemia and other cancers in Balkans veterans have been dubbed "Balkans Syndrome," and linked to the United States' use of depleted uranium (DU) tipped ammunition.

   One case of leukemia contracted by a Greek non-commissioned officer who served in Bosnia in 1997 and 1998 is being studied by the Greek military authorities.

   No official link has yet been established between the diseases and depleted uranium munitions.