Arising from a Reasoned Opinion from the European Commission (EC) to the Greek government on the subject of the Sea Turtles in Zakynthos, the English language “Athens News” published an interesting article on 5-11-04 by Cordelia Madden. The article covers the inadequacy of government response to the appalling situation on the nesting beaches of Laganas Bay, and to the pressure of international opinion embodied in an ultimatum from EC Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom.
In the face of Zakynthos National Marine Park (ZNMP) debts of around 200.000 Euros, the government have offered 90.000 Euros, not even enough to pay the outstanding backlog of wages.
The Reasoned Opinion is the final step before reverting to the European Court of Justice for punitive financial penalties against Greece.
The full article can be seen at: http://www.athensnews.gr/athweb/nathens.print_unique?e=C&f=13103&m=A08&aa=2&eidos=A

MEDASSET