ATHENS, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Farmers and livestock breeders protesting on the Greek island of Crete occupied the runway of Heraklion International Airport N. Kazantzakis on Monday, forcing the suspension of all flights from 14:00 local time (1200 GMT).

According to the Greek official news agency AMNA, protesters began gathering early in the morning and broke through police lines blocking access to the airport. Minor scuffles were reported as officers tried to stop them from reaching the site.

In western Crete, access to Chania Airport was also blocked after demonstrators closed the main gate, leaving travelers unable to enter or exit except in medical emergencies. The blockade followed clashes involving stone-throwing and the use of tear gas and flash grenades.

In the central city of Karditsa in mainland Greece, farmers protested outside the office of Rural Development Minister Kostas Tsiaras, dumping animal feed on the street before delivering a memorandum listing their demands. Later that day, they also blocked the E65 motorway.

Greek farmers have launched nationwide protests since Nov. 30 after the payment of EU-funded agricultural subsidies was delayed following a corruption investigation, leaving many producers facing a funding shortfall amid rising production costs. ■