Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-08-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM briefed on administrative reform

[02] Interview: WWF Hellas chief

[01] PM briefed on administrative reform

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Pavlopoulos noted that the dialogue with the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) on the spatial planning following the mergers of smaller municipalities and communities was nearing completion, explaining that "the target is fewer and stronger municipalities with consensus", and adding that "this is the difference from the past".

Pavlopoulos said that the reform would forge ahead, in conjunction also with economic measures for the local government organizations (OTA), following a relevant decision by the economy and finance ministry, so that the OTA will have steady resources.

The minister further said that the discussion also focused on the Special Operational Plan on electronic reform, in which priority would be placed on simplifying procedures.

He said that there has been substantial progress in that area, and announced that a discussion would soon commence on the basis of the second draft being prepared in order to give Greeks abroad the ability of absentee voting.

"Common ground has been found with the representatives of the political parties, and we are currently discussing the matter with the foreign minister," Pavlopoulos said, adding that another discussion would also be held on the second draft.

He added that this latter was the only executive law of the Constitution that has not been advanced.

[02] Interview: WWF Hellas chief

?We must be more diligent in terms of prevention and focus on this aspect more,? he said, stressing that the Forestry Department must be upgraded while also pointing out that the national cadastre (Land Registry) and the drawing up of forest maps projects should proceed with no delays.

He also suggested the establishment of a special firefighting corps, within the framework of the Fire Brigade, trained to combat forest fires all year round.

?This challenge is so sizeable and the problems are so many, making imperative the active involvement of volunteers,? Karavelas stressed.

The entire interview is available on the ANA-MPA internet television.

Caption: WWF Hellas president Dimitris Karavelas. (ANA-MPA)

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