Pompeii closure makes 'a fool' of Italy

(ANSA) - Naples, July 24 - The unexpected closure of Italy's famous Pompeii archaeological site due to a trade union meeting on Friday makes Italy look like a fool on the global stage, the president of Naples' Chamber of Commerce Maurizio Maddaloni said.
    "Even the Parthenon in the height of the Greek crisis did not close its doors to tourists," Maddaloni said on Friday. "We are making a fool of ourselves on the world stage and once again those that pay are the uninformed tourists and travel businesses that organise tours and excursions in one of the most visited places in our country." Tourists were surprised Friday morning by a sudden closure of the 2000-year-old site due to a meeting of trade unions.
    Reports said that long lines snaked around the entry gates, which were closed at 9 a.m. for a meeting of members of the CISL, UNSA, FILP and FP unions.
    Maddaloni said Pompeii could be one of Italy's strongest selling points, but he said its image had been spoilt by years of neglect.
    "On one hand, the government needs to develop a strategy to prevent sudden closures of the site, and on the other hand, unions and workers need to assume their responsibilities," he said.