A makeshift bomb has exploded outside Greece's parliament on Saturday evening, January 9, causing no injuries and minor damage.

The explosion occurred in the heart of Athens, close to the finance ministry and the city's best hotels.

"This was an unprecedented act of terrorism against the Greek people," said government spokesman George Petalotis.

The bomb was placed next to a garbage bin at the monument of the unknown soldier outside the parliament building.

This blast followed another bomb attack outside the headquarters of Greece's biggest insurer, National Insurance, on December 27. Fire Conspiracy Cells, a leftist guerrilla group, claimed responsibility for the December attack. Police believe they may also be responsible for Saturday's blast.

"I assure you those responsible will be arrested and brought to justice," Civil Protection Minister Michael Chrysochoidis told journalists. "Athens is a safe city."

Greece has been affected by a series of attacks against economic interests and political offices ever since a youth was killed by a police officer in December 2008. Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has condemned the attack, saying "democracy cannot be terrorized."

mk/Reuters/AFP
Editor: Toma Tasovac