Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-05-08 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Council of State postpones hearing on installation of wind turbines in Mani [02] Archaeological Museum of Heraklion wins special reccomendation in award event --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Council of State postpones hearing on installation of wind turbines in Mani The Council of State postponed for June 21 a hearing on the installation of wind turbines in Mani, southern Peloponnese, in a case brought forward by 28 national and local associations who oppose the plan. According to the associations, the state's decision to install wind turbines on the ridge of Saggias, a NATURA-designated area, is unconstitutional and illegal and their construction will cause irreparable damages to the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The plaintiffs also submitted to Gythio's prosecutions office lawsuits against the violations of the restrictions which are specified in a relevant study and has been approved by the ministry of the environment. According to the lawsuit, the installation of 42 wind industrial type turbines on Saggias ridge will degrade Mani. [02] Archaeological Museum of Heraklion wins special reccomendation in award event The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in Crete was awarded a Special Commendation at the annual European Museum of the Year Awards (EMYA), during a ceremony held in Zagreb, Croatia, over the weekend. The EMYA judges praised this museum for presenting "a cutting-edge interpretation of the history and civilisation of Crete, focused on the rise and decline of the Minoan culture." "The museum has become a huge social and cultural asset for the island, influencing tourism and the economy, while also helping the local community to interiorize a positive perception of science and culture," they added. The ministry of culture said judges praised the Museum's initiatives for "the dissemination of historical knowledge to different social groups through innovative activities." The event, organised by the European Museum Forum (EMF), was attended by over 200 people from 29 European countries and is the longest running and most prestigious awards in Europe aiming to recognize excellence in European museums and to encourage innovative processes for the benefit of society.