Greek protesters predict conflict end

ATHENS, Greece, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- The violent protests plaguing Greece this week after a student shooting death may be coming to an end, protesters said Friday.

Demonstrator Fani Stathoulopoulou, 25, said the conflict that stemmed from last Saturday's fatal police shooting of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos appeared to be ending, without any clear gains by protesters, The (Britain) Daily Telegraph said.

"It was one of the most intense protests we've had in Greece, but today it could be the last day. I'm afraid it will be forgotten, like everything has been in the past," he said.

Isidoros Aletas, a 21-year-old demonstrator, also said the protests could soon end.

"It will go calm now. But I want the government to clean up, to get the market and the economy moving," he said.

Kathimerini said an Athens University protest turned violent Thursday night, while a peaceful sit-down involving nearly 200 young people took place at Parliament. A group of young protesters in Piraeus attacked a police station as more than 700 students in the suburb of Korydallos clashed with police.

Meanwhile, Panhellenic Socialist Movement leader George Papandreou said Thursday his opposition party is devoted to helping Greek merchants recover from the protests, the Athens News Agency said.