Greece is out of tear gas; turns to allies for more
ATHENS — Greece, engulfed by civil unrest, is urgently seeking to procure
tear gas from neighboring countries.
"We have contacted a number of allies for non-lethal equipment," an
official said.
Greece has exhausted its supply of 4,600 tear gas units in
10 days of rioting, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials termed urgent the Greek request for tear gas
and other
non-lethal equipment, including stun grenades.
Also In This Edition
Israeli officials said the government in Athens has requested that Israeli
companies send tear gas grenades to help police battle the massive riots in
Athens. They
said Greece has already exhausted its tear gas supply.
Officials said Athens has turned to Israel, Germany and other European
Union members for non-lethal, anti-riot equipment. They said Israel has a
huge arsenal of tear gas for military and police operations in the West
Bank.
Greece and Israel have increased their military and security cooperation
over the last five years. The two countries have conducted military
exercises as well as counter-insurgency training.
In 2007, Israel responded to a call by Athens to help battle huge forest
fires. Israel sent 55 firefighters and equipment to help extinguish fires
that raged through Greece.
At this point, the Greek Public Order Ministry has turned to
unidentified Israeli companies for tear gas, officials said. They said the
Greek ministry has not yet relayed a direct request to the Israeli
government.