Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-15 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] PM Tsipras: Ithaca exists and we will arrive soon [02] The current government is not responsible for the 30 years of scandals, says Shipping Min Kouroumblis [03] The fourth memorandum arrives, ND vice president Hatzidakis says [04] Parnassos ski center open during Easter holidays [05] Boat with 38 migrants sends distress signal off the coast of Cephalonia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] PM Tsipras: Ithaca exists and we will arrive soon We must believe that Ithaca exists and we will there arrive soon, stated Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Holy Saturday after his visit to the old town hall of Corfu. Tsipras, who is visiting the island of Corfu for the Easter holidays, referred to Homer's Odyssey "Let's learn from Odysseus and shut our ears to the Sirens and to overcome the last Cyanean Rocks. Maybe it is symbolic that Corfu was Odysseus last stop before Ithaca. We must believe that Ithaca exists and we will arrive there soon" noted Tsipras. He wished health and happiness to all saying that Homer has given us the lesson that except of strength it takes brains to overcome the difficulties and reach Ithaca" he stated while leaving from San Giacomo, the old town hall of the city of Corfu. [02] The current government is not responsible for the 30 years of scandals, says Shipping Min Kouroumblis The Greek people should not put the blame on the current government for the 30 years of scandals and mismanagements, said Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis to Athens Macedonian News Agency on Saturday. He also said that when the second review completes then "New Democracy's request for elections that kept the balance in the main opposition party will collapse and its leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis should seek another myth "or I believe he will experience his own Waterloo" underlined Kouroumblis. Referring to the examining committee on the public health, Kouroumblis claimed that ND and PASOK's activities will come to the limelight and will shock the Greek society. On the other hand no issue has arisen in the two years of SYRIZA governance, he said. [03] The fourth memorandum arrives, ND vice president Hatzidakis says Not only the second review does not conclude but on the contrary the 4th memorandum arrives, said main opposition New Democracy vice president Costis Hatzidakis speaking to Athens Macedonian News Agency on Saturday. A heavy, as he called it, memorandum that will extend until 2020 at the least. ND vice president underlined that the agreement on its whole has not been known yet adding that the two parties that participate in the government (SYRIZA and Independent Greeks) will be further discredited in the eyes of the people, adding that "as long as the economy is crawling the political developments are open" and explained why his party wants a political change "because as long as Tsipras remains in authority, the bill becomes heavier." [04] Parnassos ski center open during Easter holidays Parnassos ski resort, situated on one of the most beautiful mountains in Greece, is the only ski resort that remains open during the Easter holidays. The snow of the so-called 'spring ski' is of best quality for the skier. On this mountain at an elevation of 1,600-2,250m in the areas of Kelaria and Fterolakka, Parnassos Ski Center operates from December until the beginning of May, which is the biggest and the best organised ski center of our country. In an altitude of 1.600-2.250m, at Kelaria and Fterolaka, is Parnassos SC. 19 pistes, 7 routes, 10 paths and 3 mini beginner pistes of 36km total length, as well as 12 off-piste routes are expecting skiers and snowboarders of every level, every year, December to May. Parnassos Ski Center announced that it extends its operation until Sunday 23 April. Daily tickets for skiers and visitors will offered at special prices. 10 euros for adults and 4 euros for ages between 5 and 17. [05] Boat with 38 migrants sends distress signal off the coast of Cephalonia A vessel carrying 38 migrants, among them 13 children, has sent a distress signal early on Saturday while sailing off the coast of Cephalonia. According to information the 13 children need medical care immediately and for this reason ambulances are currently waiting for the migrants at the port of Cephalonia. Cephalonia authorities said that "these people need help and will remain on our island as long as necessary and they will be offered humanitarian aid and when the necessary procedures are completed they will be included in the readmission procedures.