The discussions about the ferry connection between Symi and Pireus seem to have stalled and it now seems increasingly likely that there will be no direct link with the biggest Greek port during this year's tourist season. The Mayor of Symi, Mr Lefteris Papakalodoukas, has written to the Prime Minister, Mr Kostas Karamanlis, to complain about the current situation.
In his letter, seen by SymiGreece, Mr Papakalodoukas talks about the growing frustration of the Symiots at being cut off from the main port in Greece for almost a year. He outlines the background of the Blue Star ferry "Diagoras" being awarded the subsidised route from Pireus, its subsequent decision to exclude Symi from the route for "technical reasons" and the continuing attempts to agree a formula for carrying out the necessary technical improvements (including the construction of a floating jetty in front of the petrol station in Yialos or in Pedi) so that "Diagoras" can start including Symi in its route. The Mayor points out that the proposed work involved may take up to four months to complete and that despite numerous promises by the Minister of Mercantile Marine, Mr Manolis Kefalogiannis, and the Minister for the Aegean and Island Policy, Mr Aristotelis Pavlidis, no solution has been found yet
At the end of his letter, Mr Papakalodoukas accuses the Government of deception and the Ministry of Mercantile Marine of lack of concern and talks of his determination to personally hand over the keys to the Symi Municipality to the Prime Minister as a last act of protest. He asks for the personal intervention of the Prime Minister so that a three-times a week ferry connection between Symi and Pireus is re-established.
In his letter, seen by SymiGreece, Mr Papakalodoukas talks about the growing frustration of the Symiots at being cut off from the main port in Greece for almost a year. He outlines the background of the Blue Star ferry "Diagoras" being awarded the subsidised route from Pireus, its subsequent decision to exclude Symi from the route for "technical reasons" and the continuing attempts to agree a formula for carrying out the necessary technical improvements (including the construction of a floating jetty in front of the petrol station in Yialos or in Pedi) so that "Diagoras" can start including Symi in its route. The Mayor points out that the proposed work involved may take up to four months to complete and that despite numerous promises by the Minister of Mercantile Marine, Mr Manolis Kefalogiannis, and the Minister for the Aegean and Island Policy, Mr Aristotelis Pavlidis, no solution has been found yet
At the end of his letter, Mr Papakalodoukas accuses the Government of deception and the Ministry of Mercantile Marine of lack of concern and talks of his determination to personally hand over the keys to the Symi Municipality to the Prime Minister as a last act of protest. He asks for the personal intervention of the Prime Minister so that a three-times a week ferry connection between Symi and Pireus is re-established.
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