Traffic at the Ilinden–Exohi border checkpoint between Bulgaria and Greece was open on the morning of January 18 2010, with private vehicles and buses allowed to pass but lorries were being stopped, Bulgarian daily Dnevnik said.

The Greek farmers strike was scheduled to start at 11am on January 18 and the farmers duly sealed off the border, but only for lorries. According to Greek authorities, lorries queuing on the border would be allowed to trickle through between 3pm until 5pm. However, vehicles ferrying timber and dairy products would not be allowed to pass, Dnevnik said.

For the time being, the other three border crossing points between Bulgaria and Greece were operating normally, although it was uncertain for how long.

Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry and border police have warned Bulgarians not to travel to Greece unless “absolutely necessary”. Authorities say that any trips to Greece while the blockade is enforced are likely to result in “serious delays, traffic jams and substantial financial losses”.

Greek daily Kathimerini said that more farmers from Serres were expected to descend on the Promachonas crossing on the border with Bulgaria from January 18, and that wider protests could follow in coming days as farmers stepped up their demands. The blockades are expected to last at least five days.

This entry was posted on Monday, 18th January, 2010 at 12:20 pm and is filed under News.