Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-08-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis informs president Papoulias on toll taken by fires

[02] Death toll at 61; 89 fires in 24-hour period

[03] Prime minister at meeting on police, intelligence service support for fire brigade

[04] Minister of State: Latest 'wildfires not by chance'

[05] PASOK responds to Minister of State

[06] Athens requests EU aid for wildfire-stricken Greece

[07] PASOK leader launches attack against PM, gov't concerning wildfires

[08] Papariga blames land policy for fires, rejects 'asymmetrical threat'

[09] SYRIZA slams government handling of fires

[10] Preliminary probe into possible terrorism link with wildfires ordered

[11] Greek MEP requests emergency debate on Greek fires

[12] U.S. concerned over wildfires in Greece

[13] President Karolos Papoulias receives letters, messages for wildfires

[14] Message of support from Albanian president over fires

[15] Bank of Greece opens account for disaster assistance

[16] President Karolos Papoulias, PASOK leader hold telephone conversation

[17] Financial aid for wildfire-ravaged regions, gov't announces

[18] Immediate payment of fire damages to farmers, minister says

[19] Cyclon Hellas reports improved H1 results

[20] Labour unions on wildfires

[21] Eurobank Properties buys real estate assets worth 51.6 million euros

[22] Mechaniki reports sharply improved H1 results

[23] Viohalco reports 23% increase in first half turnover

[24] Lamda Development reports H1 results

[25] Greek stocks end 0.28 pct higher on Monday

[26] ADEX closing report

[27] Greek bond market closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

[29] Fire brigade says seven arrested for recent fires; new fire in Megalopolis

[30] Villages in Gortynia evacuated as fires spread to Arcadia

[31] More fire-fighters from Cyprus, Israel arriving

[32] Police limit access to potential fire targets

[33] Earth tremor in Patra region

[34] Quake felt on Cephallonia

[35] Youth Parliament postponed

[36] UEFA rejects request by AEK Athens for postponement of Champions League match

[37] Overcast on Tuesday

[38] FM presents Cypriot positions on EU enlargement Politics

[01] Karamanlis informs president Papoulias on toll taken by fires

Addressing President Papoulias before 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 were 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 Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, Deputy Finance Minister Petros Doukas and the general secretaries of the economy and finance ministries.

A meeting with President 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 had paid a visit to Olympia and the archaeological site, which was saved from destruction literally at the last minute, with the flames of the wildfires 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 firemen that had fought to protect the ancient site, who complained of hostility from the public and said that they had not delayed in requesting assistance from the air in order to protect the site.

He said that fire men 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 firemen, noting that three or four of them had sustained injuries in their battle against the flames.

[02] Death toll at 61; 89 fires in 24-hour period

At roughly noon local time (10.00 GMT) the most worrying blazes were centred in central and southern Evia, a large island straddling central Greece's eastern coast, and across an arc stretching from the northwest Peloponnese down to the peninsula's southeast, in Laconia prefecture. A spate of other wildfires was raging in central Greece, whereas fires erupted on a handful of islands, including Corfu and Cephallonia, in the Ionian sea, although they were quickly extinguished.

Besides fire-stricken Ilia prefecture, where ancient Olympia was surrounded by flames a day earlier before fire-fighters beat back a wildfire front at the historic site's fences, other prefectures in the Peloponnese ravaged by fires include Messinia, Arcadia and, and to a less extent, Corinth and Achaia prefectures. The Megalopoli front in Arcadia was reportedly taking precedence on Monday, although fears of fires rekindling have ground forces on alert practically throughout the Peloponnese.

In terms of Olympia, a fast-moving wildfire momentarily surrounded the hallowed archaeological site in the northwest Peloponnese on Sunday afternoon before finally being turned backed at the site's perimeter, but not before a pine-covered hilltop above the renowned stadion, the ancient track, was burned.

Concentrated efforts by ground forces and fire-fighting aircraft -- including French and Russian crews -- to prevent the wildfire from reaching the actual antiquities, museum and the other facilities paid off, with the site reportedly left unscathed. The outlying areas, however, did not fare as well, with smoke seen rising from the remains of nearby forests and groves.

[03] Prime minister at meeting on police, intelligence service support for fire brigade

The meeting was held at the public order ministry and attended by Public Order Minister Vyron Polydoras, the ministry's general secretary Kostis Ailianos, the head of the Greek Police Anastasios Dimoschakis and the head of the intelligence service Ioannis Korantis.

The prime minister was briefed on how the police had assisted in the immediate relief of fire victims and assisted in evacuations, directing traffic to ensure that fire brigade vehicles had unobstructed passage to fires and by policing areas struck by fires to protect the properties of fire victims.

Also discussed at the meeting was the reception of reinforcements from European countries and their administrative and technical support, undertaken by the public order ministry.

The prime minister said the staff of the public order ministry could count on the government's unqualified support and confidence, giving instructions in order to increase the public's sense of the security in the stricken areas as much as possible.

[04] Minister of State: Latest 'wildfires not by chance'

Roussopoulos said that the country was experiencing very difficult moments, "there were many wildfires, efforts being made were constant and the government had deployed all the means at its disposal on fire fronts."

Asked what the government meant with the term "asymmetrical threat", Roussopoulos said the prime minister has already made specific reference to the number of fronts, the speed with which a fire breaks out, or the numerous fires in the same or in different places. He added that the extent of the fronts and fires was massive and, on the other hand, "this could not be by chance."

"Have you asked yourselves how circumstantial all this is. With this indication the government is not implying anything, but only what every Greek wonders," he said, noted that an effort is being made to find the suspected arsonists, stressing that out of 44 cases concerning the fire brigade, 61 arrests have been made; out of 12 cases concerning Greek Police, 18 arrests have taken place and ultimately seven suspects out of the total number are in custody.

Roussopoulos made special reference to the number of wildfires, fronts and the parallel fires during the night that he termed strange, since there is no great heat at that time. He noted in particular that in 2004 exactly 4,558 wildfires took place; 4,554 in 2005; 4,631 in 2006, and 6,604 in 2007, "and the summer is not yet over."

He further said that on Aug. 24, 2004, 72 wildfires broke out; in 2005, on the same date, 44; in 2006 on 52 wildfires, while in 2007, 124 wildfires erupted.

The minister further said that investigations and searches are continuing, evidence exists that constitutes indications and it remains to be seen whether it is proof and mentioned, as an example a video shown and in which two people appeared who set fire to Mount Hymettus. He added that incendiary devices have been found, eyewitnesses exist, questioning and arrests have taken place and the rest is up to interrogation.

Asked of possible weaknesses in the state apparatus, he said that the public order minister has given replies and that the needs along the width of fronts are such that exceed the country's desired level in firefighting means. He mentioned that the country has the biggest fleet in Europe and the task is difficult, taking conditions into consideration.

"Eight beaufort become 10, it is difficult to impossible for aerial means to intervene and sometimes I realise the pain of all these people, I respect them, I share their position, I understand them, I feel them. They tried to save their children, grandfathers and grandmothers, they tried to lean somewhere," Roussopoulos said and added that "we are not looking for excuses."

Asked whether the military should have intervened earlier, he said that the military, from the beginning, since the wildfire in Parnitha joined the struggle, but clarified that the military does not extinguish fires and that one would not send untrained soldiers to the fire's front.

Also asked about what is being heard of partisan games that had caused problems in organisation and coordination, he said that "I do not want to believe that what you are saying is taking place."

As to who he believes are responsible for the wildfires, the minister said characteristically "my desire for a reply to be given to this question is as strong as is that of every Greek citizen."

Roussopoulos said that the elections will take place as normal absolutely, while as regards the meeting between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the President of the Republic, he mentioned that Karamanlis had communicated many times these days with the President of the Republic to brief him and had requested to meet him today for the same reason.

[05] PASOK responds to Minister of State

At noon on Tuesday the PASOK leader will visit President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias to again bring up a request for a meeting of political party leaders, Ragoussis said.

"These measures come from a government which is not in the position to speak about the following day, as it is obliged to coordinate the state apparatus, so as not to be compelled to take measures for the following day," he added.

[06] Athens requests EU aid for wildfire-stricken Greece

Greek Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Christos Folias on Monday requested economic aid from the European Union in support of wildfire-ravaged Greece.

The deputy minister expounded on the extend of the problem and the serious situation in Greece in meetings he had in Brussels with a number of EU commissioners, including Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hubner, Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, as well as with officials of Environment Minister Stavros Dimas, and of diectors of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and of Economic & Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

Folias presented the initial assessments on the economic and social repercussions from the catastrophic wildfires in Greece and called on the European Commission to jointly utilize with Greece, through the Solidarity Fund and of the Community Support Framework (CSF) programs for the restoration of the infrastructures which have been affected, as well as through the National Strategic Reference Programmes

Folias said the European Commission officials expressed their grief over the catastrophe in Greece and their support to the Greek people and to the Greek authorities, noting that the European Union's mobilization was the greatest and most immediate in the history of European protection policy, with the disposal of fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters from many EU-member states.

Furthermore, the deputy finance minister invited Regional Policy Minister Danuta Hubner to visit Greece in order for her to assess the situation, while agreement was reached for a cooperation meeting to be held with relevant European Commission officials in Athens as soon as possible.

[07] PASOK leader launches attack against PM, gov't concerning wildfires

Papandreou called on the prime minister "to give all the data which he has in mind and which lists these accusations, otherwise the prime minister himself is the one which undermines the country's international position and is the main person responsible for its denigration."

The PASOK leader added that "with the prime minister's statements, Greece is regarded by the international press as a den of terrorists, while the country's position and its tourism industry weakens."

Papandreou raised certain questions to Karamanlis regarding the issue of the "asymmetrical" threats. "Firstly if there is absolute proof as to why the President of the Republic and the political party leaders were not briefed. Secondly, why Mr. Karamanlis did not accept a meeting of political party leaders. Thirdly, why did they (the government) leave the country unprotected. Fourthly, why they speedily closed Parliament and proclaimed elections during the critical period of August."

[08] Papariga blames land policy for fires, rejects 'asymmetrical threat'

During a press conference, Papariga reported the conclusion of KKE's Political Bureau that the government's attempt to present the tragedy in terms of "new order imperialist dogma of asymmetrical threats" sought to "terrorise the people so as to divert their reaction in the wrong direction, both during the electoral contest and afterward".

Regarding the cause of the fires, she said that these had not arisen suddenly but were created over many years by a series of reactionary laws and measures taken by the governments of the ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK parties.

According to Papariga, the road to the present inferno was opened by a policy that commercialised forests, rewarded land grabbers, undermined prevention and created huge deficits in equipment and facilities for fire-fighting and forest protection services, culminating in the revision of the Constitution and especially article 24 for the protection of forests.

"We are faced with an organised plan, whether this existed beforehand or arose on the way," Papariga claimed, adding that the profits from arson primarily benefited large economic interests whose "appetite is opened by land commercialisation".

She also turned her fire on the government for failing to put up an effective, organised response that might have mitigated the repercussions of the disaster, through prevention and forest protection measures.

Regarding PASOK, she said the main opposition of seeking only to cover up its own responsibility and to benefit from the justified popular displeasure at the polls, while she lambasted the left-wing Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) for "failing to display political autonomy" during the crisis and supporting PASOK.

Listing KKE's proposals for the aftermath of the fires, Papariga called for a full and in-depth listing of the destruction wrought and the areas burnt, without any changes in land use, full compensation to farmers for lost crops and livestock, one year's exemption from insurance contributions and taxes and a freeze on loan payments, full compensation for burnt homes and farm infrastructure, detailed and binding plans for reforestation, free housing for fire victims in nearby hotels, immediate hiring for vacant positions in the fire brigade, forestry services and national health service with permanent rather than seasonal staff and work to limit subsequent damage from erosion, flooding etc.

[09] SYRIZA slams government handling of fires

He rejected the government's assessment that the fires were the result of an organised arsonist plan and stressed that the evidence suggested that the fires were caused by electricity pylons, negligence that was often due to buildings erected without planning permission and herders.

Alavanos also attacked a statement by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis attributing the fires to terrorists, saying he should apologise to the Greek people.

If the government had evidence of terrorist activity, it should inform the political parties and explain what sort of terrorist organisation included the elderly women in Zaharo and Areopolis that caused the fires, whether the power pylons had been cleaned and whether appropriate measures had been taken.

Alavanos additionally blamed the prime minister for choosing to declare elections at a time of high risk for fires.

[10] Preliminary probe into possible terrorism link with wildfires ordered

[11] Greek MEP requests emergency debate on Greek fires

Greek MEPs will ask the European Parliament to activate the European Solidarity Fund and all other means of community funding for disasters and relief of victims and the taking of prevention measures on a European level.

[12] U.S. concerned over wildfires in Greece

The State Department on Monday expressed the concern of the United States over wildfires raging all over Greece in past days.

Asked to comment on the situation, the State Department's deputy spokesman, Tom Cassey, said "we want to do all that we can to help the Greek authorities in the best possible way to handle the consequences of these wildfires. We are having consultations with the government of Greece on the issue so that we can see what kind of help can be useful and which is the best way to provide it and I hope that we will be having some specific plans to announce soon."

A statement by an official of the State Department's Europe Office, handling issues concerning Greece, was made in the same spirit, who said that "the United States is deeply concerned over the continuing wildfires in Greece and expresses condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the wildfires and to the inhabitants of the regions struck by the wildfires."

He also said that the United States is cooperating with the Greek government to offer help and to find ways that will render "whatever assistance more beneficial for Greece."

Lastly, he pointed out that in times such as these that a tragedy is taking place "we feel obliged to help our friends and allies."

[13] President Karolos Papoulias receives letters, messages for wildfires

President Mubarak expressed Egypt's readiness to help Greece.

President Papoulias thanked the Serb President for the firefighting aircraft that Serbia has provided for Greece.

Letters of solidarity addressed to President Papoulias include those from Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, the Presidents of Moldova and Syria, Vladimir Voronin and Bashar Al Assad respectively, the Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos and Cyprus House of Representatives Speaker Demetris Christofias.

[14] Message of support from Albanian president over fires

"I am watching with great grief the difficult situation that your country is in and the tragic repercussions of the fires that have broken out. At these painful moments for your country, Albania and the Albanians are at your side and share your sorrow," the message read.

On behalf of Albania, Topi also expressed condolences to the families of the victims for the loss of their loved ones.

[15] Bank of Greece opens account for disaster assistance

Specifically, the account number is:

Swift: BNGRGRAA

IBAN: GR9801000230000002341103053

Donations are beginning to pour in for the victims of the unprecedented wildfires, including 10 million euros by Theodoros and Gianna Angelopoulos; five million euros by the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation; 3.5 million euros by the ATE Bank group, and one million euros by the Loutraki casino, among others.

[16] President Karolos Papoulias, PASOK leader hold telephone conversation

According to an announcement by PASOK, "the president of PASOK requested a meeting with the President of the Republic and once again stressed the need for a meeting of political party leaders under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic."

Financial News

[17] Financial aid for wildfire-ravaged regions, gov't announces

The government also announced measures in support of businesses affected in the wildfire-ravaged prefectures of Messinia, Ilia, Arcadia, Laconia and the island of Evia.

Measures include grants of up to 5,000 euros to cover businesses' immediate needs, while the submission of Value Added Tax (VAT) will be suspended for six months.

Debts to banks will also be suspended until Aug. 31, 2007.

Also subsidised by the state will be working capital issued by banks, whereas the Hellenic Export Promotion Organisation (HEPO) will cover the cost of businesses' presence at international exhibitions until the end of the year.

[18] Immediate payment of fire damages to farmers, minister says

The measure applies to farmers that incurred losses during August 2007 and have not yet declared them. In order to receive the advance payment, they will have to submit an application and signed statement at the nearest Greek Agricultural Insurances Organisation (ELGA) office or ELGA representative, giving their personal details and the nature and extent of their losses.

ELGA will then calculate the compensation due and the amount of the advance payment - to be announced within two days - which will be given interest-free via ATEBank.

[19] Cyclon Hellas reports improved H1 results

The company said its parent turnover rose 3.17 pct to 128.119 million euros in the January-June period this year, from 124.181 million euros in the corresponding period in 2006.

Consolidated after tax profits soared to 1.678 million euros, from 699,000 euros last year, while pre-tax profits jumped to 2.227 million euros from 1.095 million euros in 2006. Consolidated sales were up 3.45 percent to 129.933 million euros in the first six months of 2007, from 125.593 million last year.

Cyclon Hellas attributed its improved results to higher volume of sales in its main markets along with lower distribution and administrative expenses. The company expects this year profitability to continue growing reaching the goals set by the board for the year.

[20] Labour unions on wildfires

The directorates reached a number of decisions in principle that include calling on labour centres, federations and union members to deposit financial aid for wildfire sufferers with the special account opened with the National Bank in Victorias Square in Athens with the number 118/348522-68.

As an initial gesture, GSEE and ADEDY will be depositing 100,000 euros for this purpose.

[21] Eurobank Properties buys real estate assets worth 51.6 million euros

The company said it had made a down payment of 2.6 million euros (5.0 pct of the contract) to EFG Eurobank Ergasias SA.

[22] Mechaniki reports sharply improved H1 results

The company said its net pre-tax margin was 17.46 percent and predicted a fall by as much as 1.5 percent this year.

Parent turnover soared 117.92 pct to 65.2 million euros, while pre-tax profits jumped 87.54 percent to 17.56 million euros in the January-June period. EBITDA soared 79.22 pct to 15.45 million euros and EBITDA margin fell to 23.70 pct from 28.81 pct last year.

Net after tax profits jumped 84.19 pct to 13.56 million euros in the first half of 2007.

[23] Viohalco reports 23% increase in first half turnover

Pre-tax, and rights earnings jumped 42 percent to 151.5 million euros, while earnings after tax and rights were up 23 percent to 65 million euros over the same period. Consolidated equity capital rose 28 percent to 1.959 billion euros.

[24] Lamda Development reports H1 results

A company statement said the fall in its first half results reflected a 43.2 pct extra profit last year from the merger of its subsidiary Lamda Olympia Village with HSBC.

The company said it planned to further improve its profitability this year and to complete a large real estate development project in the next two years, including a large shopping mall in Athens, holiday homes in the island of Aegina and new office and home complexes in Bucharest and Sofia.

[25] Greek stocks end 0.28 pct higher on Monday

Most sector indices moved lower, with the Insurance (4.73 pct), Oil (1.88 pct) and Technology (1.85 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while the Food-Beverage (2.55 pct), Telecommunications (1.47 pct) and Personal/Home Products (0.75 pct) scored gains.

The Big Cap index rose 0.42 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 0.48 pct lower and the Small Cap index fell 1.34 percent.

Tria Alpha (9.85 pct), Motodynamiki (4.84 pct) and Rilken (4.83 pct) were top gainers, while ANEK (10.0 pct), Boutaris (8.99 pct) and CPI (7.62 pct) were top losers.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 59 to 194 with another 45 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -4.73%

Industrials: -0.93%

Commercial: -0.13%

Construction: -0.78%

Media: -1.25%

Oil & Gas: -1.88%

Personal & Household: +0.75%

Raw Materials: -0.60%

Travel & Leisure: -0.73%

Technology: -1.85%

Telecoms: +1.47%

Banks: +0.37%

Food & Beverages: +2.55%

Health: -1.37%

Utilities: -1.69%

Chemicals: -0.53%

Financial Services: +0.16%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OPAP, Alpha Bank and Marfin Investment Group.

Selected shares from the FTSE/ASE-20 index closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 23.10

ATEbank: 3.68

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.00

HBC Coca Cola: 36.10

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.44

Emporiki Bank: 19.24

National Bank of Greece: 42.54

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 24.62

Intralot: 25.30

Cosmote: 22.36

OPAP: 26.20

OTE: 23.38

Titan Cement Company: 36.40

[26] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 4,644 contracts worth 58.648 million euros, with 43,806 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 850 contracts worth 26.189 million euros with 1,079 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 5,223 contracts worth 6.916 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Investment Group's contracts (1,627) followed by MPB (510), PPC (320), OPAP (277), National Bank (222), Alpha Bank (321), Intracom (315), Attica Bank (202) and ATEbank (562).

[27] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 445 million euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German benchmark bonds was 0.30 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.60 pct and the German Bund 4.30 percent.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved higher. National Bank's overnight rate was 4.75 pct, the two-day rate was 3.95 pct, the one-month rate was 4.42 percent and the 12-month rate 4.73 percent.

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Tuesday

U.S. dollar 1.376

Pound sterling 0.683

Danish kroner 7.501

Swedish kroner 9.447

Japanese yen 159.9

Swiss franc 1.656

Norwegian kroner 8.015

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.444

Australian dollar 1.656

General News

[29] Fire brigade says seven arrested for recent fires; new fire in Megalopolis

From the start of June until now, a total of 33 people in Greece have been charged with starting fires according to records in the crimes of arson department.

According to the latest update, serious fires are still raging in Sekoula, Faskomilia and Matesi Andritsainas in the prefecture of Ileia. The flames have also crossed over into the prefectures of Arcadia and Messinia, where dozens of villages have been evacuated as a precaution. The fire has passed through at least two villages in Gortynia and was heading toward Kotylio.

At around 16:30, the mayor of Megalopolis reported a new major fire almost within the town limits from the direction of Gortynia, while a truck carrying humanitarian aid and food from Tripolis has just arrived in the town.

Dozens of wild fires throughout the country are still blazing unchecked, their numbers augmented by another five wild fires that started on Monday, the most serious of which are in Chania and Thesprotia.

Assisting Greek fire fighting forces are 60 Cypriot fire men on the island of Evia, 60 French firemen in Sparti and 25 Israeli firemen at Ancient Olympia. The Greek fire fighting fleet has been increased with the addition of two Spanish and one Italian aircraft fighting the fire at Mistros in Evia, two French aircraft at Isari in Arcadia and another two French aircraft at Akovo in Arcadia. Expected to arrive later tonight are three helicopters sent by Holland, four from Switzerland and three from Germany.

[30] Villages in Gortynia evacuated as fires spread to Arcadia

In the meantime, organisers reported a massive response in the city of Tripolis to a call for humanitarian aid in order to provide food for fire victims, both from businesses and private individuals, with the first truck carrying food and water already on its way to Megalopolis.

[31] More fire-fighters from Cyprus, Israel arriving

The assistance by the eastern Mediterranean island republic comes on top of another group of 60 Cypriot fire-fighters, 30 emergency unit members and 10 vehicles already dispatched to fire-ravaged southern Greece.

Additionally, another 50 fire-fighters from Israel, led by the fire brigade chief of Jerusalem, will also travel to Greece, and specifically in the Peloponnese.

Moreover, 10 Israeli burn specialists are on stand by in case they are called by Greek authorities to help treat fire victims.

In comments, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni expressed her condolences for the loss of life in the country, adding that Israeli is ready to help any way it can.

[32] Police limit access to potential fire targets

Specifically, police are preventing vehicles from entering the Parnitha road without good reason after the casino funicular railway and the Tatoi-Katsimidio road from the taverna Leonidas to the former royal estate at Tatoi. Access is also restricted toward Megali Vrysi in Avlona, from Sfendali in Malakasa, in Liosati in Afidnes and Fyli-Borsi in Attica.

Due to fires still underway, traffic has been cut off on the national road between Andritsaina and Megalopolis.

[33] Earth tremor in Patra region

According to the Geodynamic Institute of the Athens Observatory, the quake's epicentre was in the wider region of Patra.

The Fire Brigade and the Police have not received any reports of possible damage being caused.

[34] Quake felt on Cephallonia

[35] Youth Parliament postponed

She said the decision was made with the agreement of the organising committee and that the participants and their teachers will be promptly informed of the new dates for the programme.

Soccer

[36] UEFA rejects request by AEK Athens for postponement of Champions League match

The game will be played at the Athens Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night, as regularly scheduled.

"The players of AEK will try, with all their strength, to provide a minimum of joy," according to a relevant announcement by the Greek club.

Sevilla won the first leg 2-0.

Weather Forecast

[37] Overcast on Tuesday

Cyprus Affairs

[38] FM presents Cypriot positions on EU enlargement

The positions of the Republic of Cyprus on the next European Union enlargement, including Turkey's accession to the Union, were presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis during an international conference in Bled, Slovenia.

An official statement said that Marcoullis introduced the Cypriot positions in an intervention during the deliberations of the conference entitled ''EU 2002: Enlargement and Completion'', which is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia and attended by other EU foreign ministers as well as senior officials from third countries and international organisations.

During the conference, Marcoullis held a number of bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Albania, Montenegro and Hungary, as well as high ranking EU officials and the SG of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

She also hosted a lunch for the Slovenian mass media where she analysed the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, Euro-Turkish relations as well as relations between Cyprus and Slovenia.

The Cypriot ministers is due to return to Cyprus on Tuesday afternoon.

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