A large rally of protest today in the central square of Chios with a central demand for the cancellation of the international competition for the extraction of antimony in the northern part of the island. Citizens present, local bodies, representatives of organizations, and even the church.

The speeches began with the president of ADEDY’s Chios Prefecture, Panagiotis Nikitawho read the names of the dead workers from the area of ​​Keramos killed during previous antimony mines management. It was followed by the President of the Chios Labor Center, Costas Lina, who argued that the Chios society “sends a clear message to those who decide for us, without us” and noted that the race would not be limited to today’s protest, but will continue with every available one. way, until the final cancellation of the bidding process.

The President of the Chios Medical Association, Giannis Georgiadisreferred to the impact of such an mining activity on health and the environment are unquestionable. Father Ioannis Mousas expressed the reservations of the Metropolis of Chios, Psara and Oinousses, noting that the Church stands on the side of the local community, as well as the need to protect the natural environment and the quality of life of the inhabitants.

The representative of the Coordination Committee of Race, Sotiris Theodorouhe called for “the matter must be raised immediately to the City Council and a clear decision be taken in favor of annulment of the process”.

The speeches continued with citizens’ placements. Between them Sotiris ParadiseDirector of the Volissos Gymnasium and Lyceum, which highlighted the environmental dimension of the problem, noting that “the exploitation of antimony threatens not only the environment but also the quality of life of future generations. Chios must remain a viable and hospitable place for all. “

The rally was completed by protesting and surrendering a resolution to the North Aegean Regional Council, which was meeting at that time in Chios, with a recommendation by the Regional Governor on the issue of antitrust extraction. The resolution included the clear position of the local community to cancel the competition and the commitment to further actions, provided the government insists on its plans.