The blocking of the railroad line from Greece to FYROM by economic migrants continues for the 14th day, stalling 1,800 wagons of cargo and causing millions of euros in financial damages.
About 1,500 migrants are trapped in Idomene and protest that they cannot cross to Europe through Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia because the authorities of the neighboring country do not allow them entrance. The FYROM government allows only refugees to cross their borders.
About 1,800 wagons of TRAINOSE, the Greek railroad company, carrying cargo to and from Greece are immobilized. TRAINOSE managing director Thanasis Ziliaskopoulos told Skai television on Tuesday that four trains coming to Greece are blocked in FYROM, while dozens of cargo trains from Athens and Thessaloniki with destination central Europe cannot depart.
According to Ziliaskopoulos, TRAINOSE financial damages amount to 1.5 million euros so far. However, he said, the damage to the company’s credibility is much more serious. TRAINOSE clients such as Cosco, Sony and Hewlett Packard and smaller companies and businesses have expressed their dissatisfaction with the railway. Some even threaten to stop using TRAINOSE.
Ziliaskopoulos also said that the blocking of the rails will create overall damage in the Greek market during the busy Christmas season as goods worth millions of euros are trapped, affecting businesses and their employees greatly.
The cargo includes perishable goods to be exported as well. For example, Ziliaskopoulos said, there are 1,500 tons of Greek sugar, along with tons of refrigerated foods on their way to a European super market chain. The chain has already advertised the products in their Christmas catalogues but cannot receive them.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
