ATHENS, Greece - May 11, 2011 - Marinas, casinos and former Olympic venues could be up for grabs after Greece announced a massive fire sale to help service its debt.

The Greek government said it was putting vast areas of state-owned land on the market to raise £44 billion in the next four years.

Nationalized companies could also be privatized to help raise the necessary capital to ensure it does not default on debt payments.

It comes after intense pressure from Britain and other creditors to act to prevent debt restructuring that could have widespread effects across Europe.

Officials have said there is a political drive to ensure Greece can service its debt after a 110 billion euro bailout by the EU and IMF last year.

A general strike held today has seen most public services grind to a halt across the country, while thousands marched through Athens to protest against harsh austerity measures.

The strike suspended all train and ferry services, grounded flights for four hours, and disrupted public transport in the capital.

Around 10,000 members of the communist-led PAME union marched peacefully through the center of Athens.

The economic crisis follows years of inept governance, widespread corruption and waste that created bloated budget deficits and a public deficit larger than annual economic output.

But despite drastic spending cuts - with reductions to pensions and salaries accompanied by increases in taxes and retirement ages - the nation may need additional support to meet its financing needs next year, as the cost of borrowing from bond markets remains sky-high.

EU and IMF officials are currently in Athens for talks on the austerity program on which the continued release of the bailout loans depends.

Greek unions say the protracted austerity, amid a two-year recession and unemployment at around 15%, is unfairly targeting the poor.

Among areas up for sale are the abandoned Athens airport at Hellinikon and Olympic venues that once housed baseball, taekwondo and hockey. A racetrack at Faliron, the Mont Parnes Casino north of Athens and several marinas are also for sale.