Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-07-29

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Public order minister praises emergency services response against fire in northeast Attica

[02] Ferry passengers delayed after two ferries develop engine trouble

[01] Public order minister praises emergency services response against fire in northeast Attica

Voulgarakis attributed the blaze to arsonists and said it had been the most difficult fire to break out in the area in recent years, having multiple fronts that endangered both property and people that could have claimed many victims.

"I am extremely pleased with the coordination of all involved, the fire department, police, army, local authorities and prefectures, as well as all the volunteers whose self-sacrifice allowed us to bring the fire under control," he said.

He also rejected any delay by the fire department to arrive on the scene.

Voulgarakis made the statements in Thessaloniki, where he met members of New Democracy's administrative committee for the Thessaloniki Prefecture. The meeting covered the restructuring of Thessaloniki's police force and ruling New Democracy's policies.

The minister also commented on general politics, saying that he did not see any prospect of an imminent cabinet reshuffle or of early elections. He declared himself satisfied with the first round of government reforms and that their widespread approval by the public was reflected in opinion polls and the low turnout for demonstrations.

[02] Ferry passengers delayed after two ferries develop engine trouble

The first ship to break down was the "Rodanthi" at 20:00 on Thursday, which developed a problem with its starboard engine while sailing near Kos. The ship was given permission to complete its journey back to Piraeus, after the passengers were let off.

The 147 passengers on board then had to wait for a Blue Star ferry carrying out the same route three hours later. If the ship cannot be repaired in time for its afternoon trip from Piraeus to the islands of Syros, Mykonos, Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos and Rhodes, this will delay the journey of some 1800 more passengers.

Meanwhile, the passenger ferry "Romilda" owned by the same company developed an identical problems in its port engine on Friday morning while carrying out a route to Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Nisyros, Kos, Astypalaia, Amorgos, Donousa, Naxos, Paros and Piraeus, with 509 passengers on board. The ship is expected to arrive in Piraeus at 14:00, instead of 8:00 in the morning.

This will also delay some 700-800 passengers that were due to travel out of Piraeus with on this ferry at 15:00, heading for the islands.

The merchant marine ministry said that efforts were being made to find alternative transport for the 2,500 passengers.

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