Suspicious parcel at Parliament a false alarm, authorities say

A parcel addressed to Labor Minister Effie Achtsioglou that was discovered in the courtyard area of Parliament, and initially deemed suspicious, was found to contain books, authorities said on Tuesday.

The discovery of the package behind an auxiliary building used by the Vouli television station initially threw Parliament security into high alert.

The fire service was called in and parked several trucks near the building's Vasilissis Sofias Avenue entrance while experts examined the parcel.