Although, both islands were inhabited by Greek populations, they were the only two of the Aegean given to Turkey by the Treaty of Lausanne, establishing the borders between Greece and Turkey. The prefect noted that the ferry line will be experimental in the beginning, so as to work out all the possible problems, such as port facility needs and port of entry points and infrastructure. He added that this line was a long time request of expatriate Imvrians, who will be brought closer to their ancestral land. Finally, he noted that in its maiden voyage the ferry will transport a Turkish delegation of local administration officials to Lesvos, for talks in efforts to create the preconditions for the long term establishment of the line. The range of products affected includes pasta, rice, and legumes.
Further reductions are in the pipeline for more foodstuffs and car and motorbike spare parts.
Fire department officials noted that the fire, which burned 250 hectares was caused by arsonists, who might be digging for gold in the area. Furthermore, they noted that two smaller fires, which began at landfills at the island of Thassos were quickly extinguished. Meanwhile, the fire at Sklivani, Ioannina is still in progress, having destroyed large portions of forested land, while 15 firefighters with five- engines are fighting to bring the fire under control. In a separate fire at Agios Syllas, Messolongi, firefighters were working to extinguish the fire in hard to reach areas. Finally, according to authorities, most other fires around the country are under control or extinguished, but fire department personnel will be on patrol through the summer to avert further fires.