AR-News: Greece - 2004 Athens Olympic Committee Propaganda

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From: Marijo Gillis 
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 11:40 PM
Subject: Greece - 2004 Athens Olympic Committee Propaganda



My direct  response to the 2004 Athens Olympic Committee claims regarding raising the standard for abandoned  animal welfare.  I just spent 10 days of investigation on the Greek mainland and on the island of Corfu. 

Marijo Anne Gillis
WAG New York, a lobby group.  (Welfare for Animals in Greece)

New York City
March 17, 2004

 Sir/Madam:

 Concern for Greek  animals is only  slowly becoming a reality because of international pressure from  compassionate people around the world-- and from the courageous actions of animal advocates in Greece--for no other reason.  The abandoned animal population of Greece and the endlessly suffering farmed animals have never been a priority for most Greek citizens and especially not  for the Pasok Greek government-- a regime  hell bent on keeping power at any cost.  Greek animal advocates have been marginalized and have never received aid or recognition from the Greek government.  This, is in itself, a reality which shocks the civilized world.

Greece will  take center stage as the Olympic Games commence.  Global scrutiny and security will become quite intense for a number of obvious reasons.  Security issues are, we believe a prime concern and rightly so in this political atmosphere.

As well,  millions of animal welfare advocates encircle the globe.  They are  now, thankfully aware of the plight of  countless companion and farmed animals in Greece, and they will most assuredly become  your most severe critics.  The eyes of the world are upon an event that  should  " unite the world".

While in Greece last week, I learned directly from Mayor Dora Bakoyianni  that the city of Athens has initiated a program to protect the strays.  How successful and long lasting this program shall be,  is yet to be proven.

The city is devoid of strays.  Their disappearance is suspect to say the least.  Even before the commencement of Mayor Bakoyiannis' program--there was an eerie quiet throughout Athens.  The alleged mass poisonings committed by allegedly demented people had many  Greek animal advocates pointing the finger at "2004" AOC.  Poisoning is indeed a great silencer.  Excruciatingly painful, yet poisoning does the proverbial "trick"  

If by some stretch of the imagination,  this is not the case, where have all the animals gone?  One could muse, couldn't one?  The answer is frightening isn't it?

Without a public proclamation denouncing violent criminal acts against companion and farmed animals from the Greek Prime Minister and other "competent" Greek authorities, as well as  investigation, prosecution and punishment, including incarcerating for reported crimes against animals;  we fear the status quo will persist.

We hold one hope in our hearts; that Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, a charismatic and extremely intelligent woman and leader,  will set an example for the rest of Greece and carry the torch for the animals. ( I, at least trust her and pray that we will not be disappointed)

Please scroll downwards.

Marijo Anne Gillis
1775 York Avenue
Apartment 7 H
New York, New York 10128
(212) 427-0587


2004 ATHENS OLYMPICS - GREEK ANIMALS RACE FOR THEIR LIVES

SUPPORT a continuing BOYCOTT of Greece and the 2004 ATHENS OLYMPIC GAMES

Marijo Anne Gillis - Founder
WAG-New York (Welfare for Animals in Greece - a Lobby Group)

www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/WAG_NewYork.html
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Welcome-Athens2004 
  To: TwinkiePerkyEbby at msn.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 04:03
  Subject: ATHENS 2004


  Dear Sir,

   

  Thank you for contacting the Organising Committee for the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

   

  You are kindly urged to visit the section of our website “Corporate” / “Environment” / “Environmental Awareness” / “Stray Animals” (http://www.athens2004.com/athens2004/page/legacy?lang=en&cid=f718470429149f00VgnVCMServer28130b0aRCRD), where our initiatives concerning the specific issue are thoroughly presented.



  Kind Regards,




  ATHENS 2004 - Information Centre 
  _______________________________________ 
  ATHENS 2004 Organising Committee 
  http://www.athens2004.com 
  Tel.: +30 210 2004000, Fax: +30 210 2004004 
  _______________________________________ 

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