Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-13 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Interior minister chairs meeting on solving Zakynthos refuse problem [02] Top court prosecutor asks for strict implementation of animal protection law [03] Easter opening hours for museums and sites in the Cyclades --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Interior minister chairs meeting on solving Zakynthos refuse problem Interior Minister Panos Skourletis on Thursday chaired a meeting with authorities on the Ionian island of Zakynthos and the Ionian islands region, in yet another bid to solve the chronic waste disposal problems that have plagued the island for the better part of a year. At the meeting, the various sides agreed on three steps to deal with the problem, starting with the operation of a temporary waste-bundling facility on a site adjacent to the Skopos landfill. The Zakynthos municipality and the Zakynthos Solid Waste Management Association made a commitment to file for a temporary licence with the Ionian Islands regional authority so that waste-bundling can begin on the site, something that is estimated will take roughly two weeks. The second step in the process will be for the municipality and association to take action to install the contractor responsible for a transitional solution in Orthonies, so that waste processing can begin as quickly as possible. The last step is to file the latest studies required under the Environmental Terms Approval Decision for both the interim and final solution for the island's waste management problems, with a facility in a site called Livas. The meeting was attended by interior ministry officials, Ionian Islands Region governor Theodoros Galiatsatos, Zakynthos Mayor Pavlos Kolokotsas, staff from western Greece region authorities and the head of the Zakynthos Solid Waste Management Association Panagiotis Mylonas. The problem on the island dates back to last November when local residents in the village of Kalamaki closed the island's landfill at Skopos in protest, allowing rubbish to pile up in the streets for weeks. The locals cited European court decisions that declared the landfill site was too full and should stop being used but the island's authorities have so far failed to organise alternative ways to manage the island's refuse. [02] Top court prosecutor asks for strict implementation of animal protection law Supreme Court prosecutor Vasilis Pliotas issued a circular on Thursday requesting first instance prosecutors to strictly implement the legislation for the protection of animals. Pliotas told his colleagues they should intervene in every case involving the torturing of animals and ensure that provisions concerning their health, protection from exploitation, abuse and torture are fully observed. He also said suspects should not be allowed to avoid prosecution and punishment, particularly those who are repeat offenders for whom prosecutors should seek arrest. The request is a response to recent complaints of animal abuse. [03] Easter opening hours for museums and sites in the Cyclades The culture ministry announced the opening hours for museums and archaeological sites in the Cyclades during the Easter holidays. Good Friday: 12.00-17.00 Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00 Ester Sunday: closed Easter Monday: 08.30-15.00 The archaeological site of Akrotiri in Santorini will open in the following times: Good Friday: 12.00-17.00 Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00 Easter Sunday: closed Easter Monday: 08.30-19.00 The Catacombs of Milos: Good Friday: 09.00-19.00 Holy Saturday: 09.00-19.00, Easter Sunday: closed Easter Monday: 09.00-19.30 The Archaeological Museums of Andros, Naxos and Paleopolis (Corfu), the On Site Museum at Metropolis Square of Naxos, the Archaeological Collections of Iria (Naxos), Anafi and Amorgos and the archaeological sites of Aghia Irini in Kea and Pyrgos in Amorgos will remain closed.