German Chancellor Angela Merkel touched down in Athens for a brief visit on Friday which is seen as sign of support for the Greek government’s austerity measures. <br /><br />It is understood the German leader will give a formal pat on the back to the government now that Greece has returned to the bond markets after an absence of four years.<br /><br />Merkel arrived 24 hours after a powerful car bomb exploded in the city centre. Around 5,000 police were drafted into the capital on Friday as Anton Samaras’s government banned protests. <br /><br />Greek Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the visit is proof that his country has finally “opened a new chapter”. But many Greeks remain angry with Merkel, accusing her of forcing painful cuts in return for the bailout loans that are keeping the country afloat.<br /><br />Her last visit to Athens 18 months ago was marked by demonstrations when some protesters burned the German flag.
