The Greek island of Icaria is considering a referendum to break away from Greece

[Onur]

While Greeks dreaming about the disintegration of all their neighbors for more than a century, they are about to disintegrate themselves nowadays;

Greek island wants to become part of Austria
The tiny Greek island of Icaria is considering a referendum to break away from debt-saddled Greece, and become part of Austria, according to several European press reports. Icaria, which has a population of 8,000, could decide to become independent after its 100-year treaty with Athens expires later this year, Italian daily Libero reported.




The island, which is closer to mainland Turkey, became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, though the freedom lasted a mere five months, before becoming part of Greece in November of that year.




Fast forward to today, where they are faced with tough economic difficulties brought on by Greece's debt crisis, Icaria's citizens are disillusioned with Athens' austerity measures.

Berlin-based daily Die Welt reported that a spokesperson for Icaria's mayor Stafrinadis Christodoulos, said: “The government has forgotten us years ago. If one cannot assure us now, new roads and a hospital, we may decide to break away from Athens,” the islanders threaten. “It is difficult for us to remain independent. But we could demand the annexation to another country. Of course, not to Turkey, better to Austria,” the islanders said during the celebrations of the 100th Anniversary of Independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Austria's daily Heute was warmed by the prospect of their very own beach in the heart of the Aegean Sea, with an online poll showing 83% in favor of annexation.

The Austrian journalist even asked an expert’s opinion on whether it would be possible for Austria to finally get direct access to beaches in the Aegean Sea after the “annexation.”

Potential secession of Ikaria would constitute a major problem for Athens, as the sea surrounding the island is very important for the country's fishing industry.

President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Christoph Leitl, caused an outrage last year when he proposed that Greece should sell some of its islands to Turkey, in order to raise money to fight the economic crisis in the country.

19 Jul 2012, LIBERO (Italy), DIE WELT (Germany), HEUTE, KLEINE ZEITUNG (Austria)

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1...art-of-Austria

http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/201...rt-of-austria/

The Ikarian commies forgets something important. They are so close to Turkey`s shores and if they secede from Greece, they either manage to stay independent or the island returns to it`s previous rightful owner for 450+ years. They have no other choice.

[Coolski]

100 year treaty hey?!

[George S.]

uh well signs to come why do they don't secede macedonia.??as well.

[Louis]

"Potential secession of Ikaria would constitute a major problem for Athens, as the sea surrounding the island is very important for the country's fishing industry."

The whole thing was funny, but that line ruled. So, the Mayor is now suing the Austrian newspaper, saying he doesn't even have a spokesperson (or a sense of humour it seems).

Since credits should always be given, the name of the Italian journalist who invented this story is Alvise Losi.

[George S.]

yeah that could be a reality as greece can't compromise on things when needed some of the islands are better off on their own.

[SirGeorge8600]

8,000 Greeks are going to become Austrians? They think the Austrians are going to give them money? They think they are too good for Greece or Turkey? lol. May their island sink in an earthquake.

[Stojacanec]

Icaria, Corfu and Crete and all coincidental stories with some substance to a greater or lesser degree.

Or maybe its our former friend Agleski that is starting these bad rumours. He was one for telling good jokes.