Police want to build bridges with Lefkimmi residents

Following the countless minor and major clashes with the riot police it was deemed necessary to hold a discussion in order to pacify the aggressive behaviour. Police sources say they want to 'open the doors' to Lefkimmi residents and listen to what they have to say, dispelling any bad feelings. It was pointed out that all the complaints lodged by the residents have been looked into by the police.

Members of Lefkimmi Cultural Society were present at the meeting along with the Deputy Mayor for South Corfu Evgenios Koulouris and the independent town councillor Nikos Gousis. The meeting was arranged on the initiative of the police and was held in a civilised atmosphere although the residents openly expressed their protests at the large police presence in the area with specific examples.

Nikos Gousis told Enimerosi: " Essentially, the police chief asked for our cooperation in creating a more peaceful co-existence. However, we consider that for this war to end it is not a matter of negotiating with the police but with the political leadership.

As regards the political aspect, Evgenios Koulouris and I were in the same political party and in our programme we had come out against the Lefkimmi landfill. Morally, politically and socially I am in favour of protesting in a political way, complying with the law and carrying out the specified controls. Of course noone is happy when there are clashes or injuries. At the meeting each side gave updates - the Police Chief noted what we said and said he was making efforts to avoid any incidents."