The blockade at the Greek – Bulgarian border continued on February 10 2010, as late talks conducted between representatives of farmers from 18 blockades with the Greek agricultural minister Katerina Betzeli on February 9 2010 failed to reach consensus, the Sofia Echo informs.
As a result, more than 170 lorries were stuck on both sides of the border at the Kulata – Promahon checkpoint on February 10.
Bulgarian news agency Focus said that at 12pm the barriers will be lifted and the lorries will be allowed through. It was not certain whether the border would be open the rest of the day.
Reportedly, some of the farmer factions on strike on major arteries and junctions in northern and central Greece have agreed to to "temporarily" suspend their protests until a final resolution is found. Others, however, will continues with their blockades, Bulgarian National Television (BNT) said.
The remaining three checkpoints at Zlatograd, Captain P Voivoda and Ilinden were operating normally.
The meeting between Batzeli and the farmers was held late on February 9, only a week after the farmers had said that "they no longer regard Batzeli as a legitimate partner in the discussions", and snubbed her altogether, demanding that they are granted a meeting with the country's prime minister, George Papandreou, instead.