Greek seamen petition for release

This was dismissed by Taiwan's representative in Athens.

"I've heard of the rumor, we are still looking into the matter," said Thomas Hsieh (謝棟樑), Taipei's top representative to Greece. "But to close down our top representative office, which serves as a bridge between Taipei and Athens, will not benefit Greece at all."

If the polluters are not made to take the responsibility, EPA officials said, then anyone can dump waste or spill oil in Taiwan as they like.

Human rights activists asked, "if the negotiators never reach an agreement and the company refuses to grant a guarantee, should the two be detained forever?"