A 51-year-old Greek motorcyclist who was taking part in a journey from Greece to Beijing aimed at promoting peace was killed in Georgia yesterday when he was involved in a head-on collision with a truck. Michalis Kalogeropoulos was part of a group of some 50 Greek bikers riding to Beijing as part of the “Routes of the olive tree” trip, which set off from Greece on July 14. A second motorcyclist was injured in the incident and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was not named. Kalogeropoulos’s body will be flown back to Greece. It was reported that 13 bikers have decided to return home after the accident.

Firefighters were still trying to extinguish two wildfires near Nafplion in the Peloponnese yesterday, as well as a fire in Mantineia, also in the Peloponnese. Neither fire was reported to be threatening homes or lives. Earlier, the fire service put out a fire in the coastal area of Lagonissi, southeast of Athens, which was burning brush and olive trees close to homes. Firefighters also tamed a blaze close the Thrasyvoulos soccer stadium in Ano Liosia, western Athens, early yesterday.

Two people lost in the Tripiti Gorge in Hania, Crete, on Saturday night were rescued early yesterday morning. The 42-year-old and 27-year-old local men used their mobile phones to call police and request help. Firefighters needed five hours to find the two men and lead them to safety. Local officials warned hikers to take extra care when walking through the gorges in the area.

Culture Minister Michalis Liapis defended himself against catcalls and criticism when he arrived in Kalamata for the annual international dance festival this weekend. Local artists complained about the lack of funding for arts in the area. “They are right to protest, but how can I pay the debts that have accumulated since 2005,” said Liapis. “Where am I going to find the money?”

Police in Larissa, central Greece, have launched an investigation after a series of complaints about an alleged telephone scam in the area. Many residents have complained about being called at home by supposed representatives of a construction company in northern Greece, who claim that they are going to hold a draw for a free maisonette in Halkidiki. In return, they ask for people’s tax registration and ID numbers, which police believe the alleged fraudsters may be using for illegal purposes, such as to obtain credit cards. It was not clear how many people were duped by the scam.

Two men were arrested in Florina, northern Greece, yesterday on suspicion of growing cannabis plants in a farming area. Seven trees were uprooted and destroyed, police said. Officers did not give details of the suspects. A 45-year-old man was also arrested in Grevena, northern Greece, after being caught growing cannabis trees. Police did not provide any more details.