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All of Epirus demonstrates against oil drilling
More than
1,500 demonstrators sent a message against oil drilling in Epirus. At the
demonstration that was organized on Friday (1st June) in Ioannina
citizens’ initiatives, collectives, parties and municipal council groupings
spoke of the degradation of the area’s natural beauty, emphasizing at the same
time that Epirus’ abundant water resources were being placed at risk.
ERT1 Greek National State Television
The first
pan-Epirot demonstration against hydrocarbon mining took place on Friday
evening in Ioannina. The invitation from the “Citizens’ Initiatives” and
“Committees of Struggle” of the prefectures of Ioannina, Arta, Preveza and
Thesprotia met with a positive response from the local community. People from
outside Epirus travelled from Athens to Ioannina to add their own “NO” to oil
drilling.
Ilias Efthimiou: Member of the Ioannina
Citizens’ Initiative
Epirots were never asked and were never
informed as provided for even in the study for the project. Unfortunately the arguments that it just a
matter of research is untrue and not in keeping with the agreement that has been
signed, which speaks of research and exploitation of hydrocarbons.
Panagiotis Mitsis, President of the “Clean
Kalamas” movement:
We have taken a position both against research
and against mining judging that this situation is leading our region to genuine
ecological ruin.
The objective
of the groups involved in the reaction is to prevent the drilling, judging that
the effects from it will change the character of Epirus, damaging the
advantages it derives from nature.
