Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-08-27

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis briefs president Papoulias on toll taken by wildfires

[01] Karamanlis briefs president Papoulias on toll taken by wildfires

Addressing Papoulias before the cameras, Karamanlis stressed that "we are shocked at this great tragedy. We all feel that we are losing our own people. The battle is still on and the task is difficult."

The prime minister emphasised the debt to those waging the battle against the flames and said the government's first priority was to stand by the people who are victims of the fires in every way possible.

The president expressed agreement, noting the need to provide psychological support for the victims as well.

Karamanlis also pledged "brave programmes" for the reconstruction of the fire-stricken regions immediately after the elections.

Earlier, Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis had called a meeting at the economy and finance ministry in order to examine the possibility of additional support measures for victims of fires, attended by several other top ministers and government officials.

A meeting with Papoulias has also been sought by main opposition PASOK's leader George Papandreou, who called the president on Monday morning and repeated a request for a meeting of the political party leaders chaired by the president.

On Sunday night, Papandreou paid a visit to Olympia and the archaeological site, which was saved from destruction literally at the last minute, with flames reaching right up to the perimeter of the site and destroying the lush vegetation that ringed the ancient stadium and museum.

PASOK's leader expressed his support for the fire-fighters that had fought to protect the ancient site, who complained of hostility from the public, adding that they had not delayed in requesting assistance from the air in order to protect the site.

He said that fire-fighters were not responsible for the problems that had arisen recently and that it was the job of the state to give them the means to do their job.

The site also received a visit on Sunday from Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras, whose ministry is responsible for the fire brigade, who expressed satisfaction that the ancient site where the Olympic Games were born and held in antiquity had been saved.

The minister reported that both the old and new museums and the academy had escaped damage as a result of the self-sacrifice and bravery of the firemen, noting that three or four of them had sustained injuries in their battle against the flames.

Caption: President Karolos Papoulias (R) greets Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at the presidential mansion on Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. ANA-MPA / M. MAROGIANNI

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