Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 08-07-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin: Tax evasion a 'deeply anti-social behavior'

[02] PASOK on FinMin's statements on tax evasion

[03] PM Karamanlis confers with transport minister on 'green transports', OSE and OA

[04] Papandreou: change of course needed

[05] Government responds to PASOK leader's statements

[06] Nimetz interview with NET on the FYROM issue

[07] Gov't on Nimetz's statements

[08] KKE leader on FYROM's leadership stance

[09] Foreign minister meets Paris mayor

[10] Greek-Turkish Steering Committee convenes in Ankara on Friday

[11] President Papoulias appeals for 'shielding of democratic regime'

[12] Papandreou on restoration of Democracy

[13] Parliament holds special session for Democracy Day

[14] Gov't on the wildfires

[15] Radio and television digital frequencies chart unveiled

[16] Pavlopoulos in EU council of ministers on immigration

[17] Independent MP Koukodimos returns to ND

[18] SYN leader visits ANA-MPA

[19] Wage earners, pensioners covered 50 pct of tax payments in 2007, report

[20] Shipping foreign exchange inflows up 21.27 pct in Jan-May

[21] Russian tourist arrivals to Greece up 40 pct this year

[22] Tourism minister inspects works at Alimos Marina

[23] Greek computer market's growth slowed in Q2

[24] Bank of Cyprus reports 6.0 pct increase in H1 after tax profits

[25] ASE to introduce new structured products, attract shipping companies

[26] Greek stocks end 0.20 percent higher

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Greek bond market closing report

[29] Foreign Exchange rates: Friday

[30] Two dead in tanker explosion

[31] Papariga on explosion at tanker

[32] Fire on Rhodes unchecked for third day

[33] Four fire-fighter planes from Italy and France will aid in extinguishing Rhodes fire

[34] Fires across Greece; one arrest, one conviction

[35] Mostly fair on Friday

[36] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

[01] FinMin: Tax evasion a 'deeply anti-social behavior'

Both Alogoskoufis and deputy minister Antonis Bezas noted that a number of measures have already been applied to curb tax evasion, and stressed that the effort would continue.

Alogoskoufis spoke at length on the taxation reform, adding, however, that all the indicators confirmed that the taxation system was neither as efficient, nor as fair, as it should be.

He said that tax evasion by various professions and in revenues from capital was widespread, but added that, despite what was being said, overall tax evasion in Greece was lower than the EU average, accounting for 31.4 percent of the combined direct and indirect taxation, compared with 39.9 percent in the entire EU.

Alogoskoufis said that the greatest part of taxation burdened employees and pensioners, with taxes on salary incomes and pensions accounting for 79 percent of overall taxation.

The taxation system, he continued, needed to become fairer and more efficient.

The initiatives on taxation reform that have been taken to date have already produced yield, and had resulted in the real economy having exceptionally better tolerance in the face of the international economic turmoil, Alogoskoufis explained.

Alogoskoufis further stressed that if there was no tax evasion, there would be lower tax coefficients across the board.

He said the ministry's cross-checks were continuing, the auditing mechanisms were being boosted with the appropriate means, and the results were visible, while results have also been yielded by the measures taken on the oil market.

Alogoskoufis noted that tax evasion was also ascertained among salary earners, citing as an example employees who declare their incomes from their main job, but not income from second jobs.

Combating tax evasion continued to be among the priorities of the government, given that the state revenues should be increasing, he said. The efforts for increasing revenues and reducing expenditures must continue, Alogoskoufis said, adding that the deficit should not only be contained at below 3 percent but should gradually be eliminated.

Another problem that needed to be addressed was the public debt, which was a plague on the Greek economy, he said.

Finally, Alogoskoufis explained that one of the main goals of increasing revenues from taxation will be expansion of the taxation base.

Bezas, in turn, said that curbing tax evasion was a demand of the entire society, and that the efforts must be constant and incessant.

He also referred to addressing the problem of fuel trafficking and the systems applied, while also presenting the measures to be taken against trafficking in marine fuels, for which a specialized control system titled "Poseidon" will be established.

Under that system, services of the economy and finance ministry will electronically monitor all movement of marine fuel, a sector in which trafficking and tax evasion has also been ascertained.

Bezas stressed that the measures for stamping out tax evasion will continue at all levels.

[02] PASOK on FinMin's statements on tax evasion

"Mr. Alogoskoufis and his economic staff, seeing the public revenue crumbling, have desperately tried today, yet again, to declare the campaign against tax evasion. It is an unprecedented misleading, at the time when he himself and his government, from 2004 to the present, promoted a series of laws and adjustments which benefited tax evasion and encouraged economic crime," Katseli said.

[03] PM Karamanlis confers with transport minister on 'green transports', OSE and OA

Hatzidakis stressed afterwards that the government has decided to "put order" in OSE, which he noted was the most problematic state organization, with 2 million euros in losses per day.

He explained that OSE posted annual revenues of 100 million euros, whereas its expenditures were 800 million euros, adding that the organization's salary expenses alone were quadruple its revenues.

The government, Hatzidakis underlined, was determined to advance transparency and not display tolerance for "people who stuck their finger in the jar of honey".

The minister said that the financial crimes service's (YPEE) inspection would continue, and that the government will do everything possible to assist it, "having at our side the trade unionists and employees, the overwhelming majority of who are not to blame for these phenomena".

He further said that the OSE modernization program would continue, founded on the triptych "safety, transparency, financial rationalization", noting that the detailed plan would be unveiled in the first half of August.

On OA, he reiterated that a solution must be forthcoming by the end of the year, following agreement with the European Commission, adding that the two last months of the year would be the most crucial.

He said the carrier has been a problematic country, under all the governments, and that all methods introduced to date to address the problem had proved ineffective, and stressed that a healthy solution must be found in order to finally put an end to the issue.

[04] Papandreou: change of course needed

PASOK's leader referred to the initiatives already undertaken by his party in the economic sector, stressing that PASOK would continue along the same road of responsible and creative opposition until the country was rid of the present government and it was replaced by a government that respected and cared about its citizens.

He stressed that ordinary people were being tested by the economic crisis and accused the government of lying when it said that the problems were due to the global economic crisis.

Papandreou went on to list a series of sectors where there were major problems, such as the competitiveness of the economy, corruption and lack of transparency, delays in refunds to farmers, the poor state of hospitals and lower standards of education and deficient fire protection measures, and stressed that the global economic crisis could not be considered responsible for all of these.

It was the policies of New Democracy that were to blame, which were leading the country into a total bankruptcy, Papandreou added. He stressed that what Greece now needed was a different economic policy, a new economic model and a new view of development.

We need a shift toward a green economy, a state of law and welfare and to investing in people, PASOK's leader underlined.

Turning to measures proposed by PASOK to lessen the burden of lower income groups, he called for an immediate reduction of public utility rates, strengthening state machinery against high prices, proposals for borrowers and measures to support fire-stricken areas.

He also called for the immediate payment of a one-off solidarity benefit to poorer citizens, estimated to cost 400-500 million euros, which would be levied from very specific sources, such as the additional taxes collected by the state from higher fuel taxes, stock option taxation and a flat-rate tax on big businesses and banks of 1-3 percent.

According to Papandreou, the above taxes could yield revenues of 800 million to one billion euros, enough to meet a demand for a heating benefit estimated at 200-300 million euros.

The main opposition leader said that the above proposals would be tabled as a draft bill in Parliament, while noting that the model of assisting the economically weaker members had been tried successfully in other countries.

The discussion at the meeting focused on preparing PASOK's alternative proposal for the economy by the end of August, so that it would be ready to present at the Thessaloniki International Fair in September.

[05] Government responds to PASOK leader's statements

"The levelling approach adopted by Mr. Papandreou does not of course reflect Greek reality. As it seems, he simply confuses what is happening in his party, considering that the same things are also happening in the country," Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said in a statement.

[06] Nimetz interview with NET on the FYROM issue

"Different issues have been raised by both sides over the years but the talks focus on the name issue, based on the UN decisions and the Interim Agreement," Nimetz stressed. He added that the talks will continue in August and urged Skopje to adopt a low-key stance.

He pointed out that Athens and Skopje have displayed a constructive spirit in a number of proposals presented by him underlining, however, that a lot of work is still needed before saying that a mutually acceptable solution is close.

[07] Gov't on Nimetz's statements

"This is our steadfast position and our participation in this process is constructive and firm," he stressed.

[08] KKE leader on FYROM's leadership stance

"Unfortunately," Papariga said upon her arrival in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, "the FYROM leadership, in order to raise, or bargain with, its irredentism, and I do not know in exchange for what, puts forward the problems of political refugees who, unfortunately have not returned to their home country at the proper time, while the whole problem of political refugees has not been resolved."

"In no case will we allow this exploitation (of the issue of political refugees) when it is being subordinated to the raising of a non-existent minority question, in the sense of a 'Macedonian minority', and especially when it is linked to developments in the Balkans which certainly cause concern, particularly after the handing over of (former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan) Karadzic by Serbia," Papariga added.

[09] Foreign minister meets Paris mayor

As he left the meeting, Delanoe said that he and the foreign minister were linked by "ties of old friendship and regard" even though they did not belong to the "same political family".

During their talk, Bakoyannis and Delanoe referred to the economic and social difficulties that now lie before Europe and the issue of democracy.

"We nevertheless view the future of Europe with optimism," Delanoe told reporters, adding that Bakoyannis "dynamically accompanies the French presidency at the EU".

Paris' mayor attended the Nana Mouschouri concert at the Herod Atticus Odeon on Wednesday night and is expected to meet Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis during his visit.

[10] Greek-Turkish Steering Committee convenes in Ankara on Friday

In the framework of the meeting and according to exisiting practice, a review of developments in various sectors of bilateral relations will be made, while ideas will be exchanged on their future course, the announcement added.

The previous session of the committe was held in Athens on November 27, 2007.

[11] President Papoulias appeals for 'shielding of democratic regime'

"Our Democracy demands an agreement of the entire political system for its shielding and self-protection," the president underlined in his address during a traditional reception for the 34th anniversary of the restoration in Democracy in Greece, after a seven-year military dictatorship.

"We observe, some with sadness and some with anger, the revelations regarding phenomena which do not constitute an honour for public life, phenomena of long-lasting pathogenies which the citizens, not without reason, consider as a deep crisis of our representative system and finally as a crisis of Democracy," Papoulias added.

He said he shared "the citizens' disappointment and anger, when they ascertain that politics is regarded as a vehicle for personal enrichment, as a means for a wealthy life."

"Politics without morals is a very dangerous affair; it leads to the citizens' distancing from public affairs, to decay, to the emergemnce of extreme social phenomena," the president warned.

Papoulias also underlined that citizens should respond by choosing those who "in the course of their political life show a disposition for serving and dignity." The answer, he added, "cannot be but political and institutional: the parties have the obligation, vis-a-vis the people, to give account for the sins of few or many of their representatives, in a crystal clear and concrete manner...They have the obligation of persuading as regards the transparency of their operations."

Democracy "demands effective and transparent control mechanisms, exemplary sanctions, a framework for imposing legality and the state of law against non-transparency and illegal transaction. The attempt by financial circles to exert influence for the satisfaction of their interests is neither a new and certanly not a local phenomenon. But a Democracy which is armed with proper institutions operating speedily and effectively can win the citizens' confidence," President Papoulias concluded.

President Papoulias hosts reception on restoration of democracy anniversary

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias expessed on Thursday his deep sorrow over the people injured or trapped following an explosion at the Perama shipyard earlier in the same day, while addressing a reception, at the Presidential mansion, on the 34th anniversary of the restoration of Democracy.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his wife Natasha, Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou and wife Ada, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alexis Tsipras, who was accompanied by an immigrant girl from Sierra Leone, Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party leader George Karatzaferis, ministers and other officials attended the reception.

[12] Papandreou on restoration of Democracy

"We pay tribute to those who fought, resisted, became the victims of torture, were imprisoned and gave their lives for freedom and Democracy," he stressed, adding that in the years that followed, strong Democratic institutions were established while Greece's prestige and presence in the European Union and the region of SE Europe were reinforced.

"The crisis currently experienced by Greece is the most serious in the past 34 years," PASOK's leader said, underlining that the crisis is economic, social and political. "The people's trust in institutions, justice and the political system is being shaken while at the same time they find it difficult to meet their obligations and feel unprotected," he stressed.

"People today want leadership," he added, stressing that they want a government that will display a sense of responsibility, dignity and consistency when dealing with their problems.

[13] Parliament holds special session for Democracy Day

Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, representatives of the government and the political parties in Parliament paid homage to the people that had struggled against the junta rule, highlighting the fact that the Cyprus problem was still unsolved 34 years later and stressing the need for a just and viable solution.

The event was affected by the current climate of scandal and doubt in politics, however, with all speakers stressing the need to further embed transparency in public life and emphasising the shared responsibility to protect the standing of the political world.

[14] Gov't on the wildfires

Antonaros stated that this is the government's firm position and will not be changed.

As regards the causes of the fires, he stated that the Fire Brigade findings will be made public as soon as they are ready.

[15] Radio and television digital frequencies chart unveiled

The digital broadcast trial period will be launched on November 1, 2008 with the digital integration being fully achieved by 2015 at the latest, Roussopoulos said, adding that the European Union is urging members to adopt digital technology by 2012.

The digital frequencies chart is a serious attempt to put the broadcast sector in order, Roussopouloos stated, stressing that consultations will be held with all interested parties before any joint ministerial decisions are issued setting the necessary preconditions.

On his part, the transport and communications minister stated that this endeavor sets the preconditions for the transition of the Greek television to the digital age. Each channel will broadcast up to four programmes compared to the current capacity limited to just one, he said, adding that the analog television problems will soon be a thing of the past.

[16] Pavlopoulos in EU council of ministers on immigration

The European Union Treaty on immigration, the Union's policies on handling illegal immigration and criminality through the internet, were the main issues discussed during Thursday's meeting of the EU council of interior ministers.

Regarding the handling of illegal immigration, Greek minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos underlined the need of harmonising national policies, pointing however to third countries' responsibilities, such as Turkey's, which refuse to implement re-entry agreements for illegal immigrants.

Pavlopoulos also called on a more effective operation of FRONTEX, the EU's service for the management of the Union's external borders, adding that EU actions should be completely in line with basic international and European values for the persons' dignity and Democracy.

Regarding illegal immigration, the Greek minister pointed to the need of comating human trafficking and black labour by illegal immigrants, proposing the introduction by all member-states of relevant legislation preventing employers from illegally exploiting immigrants within the Union, something which, as he said, has been in force since 2005.

[17] Independent MP Koukodimos returns to ND

"Today, now that the case has been closed and in accordance with my statement, I state my desire to once again join New Democracy's Parliamentary Group, whose choices I have unerringly supported and continue to support," Koukodimos said in his letter.

The MP had left ND's parliamentary group while public prose-cutors investigated a claim by journalist Makis Triantafyllo-poulos that the MP and the head of Greece's financial crimes squad Spyros Kladas were involved in some sort of secret deal to cover up financial irregularities of his partner in the "Proto Thema" newspaper, Themos Anastassiades. The investigation was dropped after public prosecutors failed to find evidence that a crime had been committed.

[18] SYN leader visits ANA-MPA

After the tour and the briefing, Tsipras praised the work done by the ANA-MPA staff, saying he had found "a core of journalists, people with inspiration and love of their work".

"There is work that is useful and worthwhile, useful in spite of the difficult days for journalism, and not just for the news sector but for every citizen that wants to have reliable and prompt information."

He particularly praised initiatives by the ANA-MPA to invest in and develop new technologies like Internet television and Internet radio, stressing that this indicated that the news agency had foreseen the future and take a step toward it.

Financial News

[19] Wage earners, pensioners covered 50 pct of tax payments in 2007, report

Other taxpayers accounted for 15.5 pct of declared incomes (paying 13.6 pct of taxes), while enterprises accounted for 16.4 pct of total incomes (paying 36.3 pct of total taxes).

Total incomes declared to tax agencies was 103.4 billion euros in 2007, of which 70.4 billion euros were wage earners and pensioners, 15.9 billion euros other taxpayers and 16.9 billion euros from enterprises.

Total tax paid for these incomes was 13 billion euros, (6.5 billion from wage earners and pensioners, 1.8 billion from other taxpayers and 4.7 billion euros from enterprises).

The Finance ministry, in a report, said wage earners and pensioners accounted for 68.7 pct of total declared incomes to tax agencies in 2006, with other taxpayers accounting for 16.12 pct and enterprises 15.12 pct.

[20] Shipping foreign exchange inflows up 21.27 pct in Jan-May

The ministry said that according to Bank of Greece's provisional data, shipping foreign exchange inflows totaled 7.663 billion euros in the five-month period, up from 6.319 billion euros in the corresponding period in 2007.

[21] Russian tourist arrivals to Greece up 40 pct this year

Russian tourist arrivals to Greece is up 40 percent so far this year, the president of Greek Organisation Tourism, Athanasios Economou, told Russian news agencies ITAR-TASS and PIA-Novosti on Thursday.

Economou said that according to the number of visas issued by the Greek consulate in Russia, a total of 270-280,000 Russians visited Greece last year, and noted that Greece expected a total of 350-400,000 Russians this year. He added that Greek authorities aimed at doubling the number of Russian tourists visiting the country.

Economou said that the number existing Greek consulates in Russia was not enough to cover the increasing demand, despite the fact that entry visas were issued in just 48 hours by the consulates in Moscow and St Petersburg.

He stressed that Greek Tourism Organisation has drafted several programs to attracting tourists from countries such as Russia, including religious tourism, yachting and golf.

[22] Tourism minister inspects works at Alimos Marina

He expressed satisfaction at the speed at which the work was being carried out, underlining the ministry's emphasis on marine tourism development. Spiliotopoulos said that the aim was to restore the Alimos marina - the largest marina in southeastern Europe - to its former glory.

The minister noted that the Alimos marina had started experiencing problems with its infrastructure systems and that local authorities had rightly criticised the government for its run-down appearance. With an overall budget of 1.2 million euros, the first improvements to the infrastructure systems had been carried out in order to provide better services to leisure craft, he added.

Among the improvements made in the last three months were new fire extinguishing systems, road lighting, new electricity cables, new road surfaces and the supply of vessels with water.

The problems that remain unresolved at marina facilities are traffic congestion, with a study designed to address this now completed, and parking spaces for marina users.

[23] Greek computer market's growth slowed in Q2

According to figures released by IDC and published by the Association of Information and Telecommunication Enterprises of Greece (SEPE), a total of 234,740 units of computers were sold in the second quarter of the year, compared with 196,575 in the same period in 2007, with the portable computer market growing strongly for one more quarter. IDC said a slowdown of growth in the second quarter would be counterbalanced by an expected stronger growth in the last two quarters of 2008. Sales of computers totaled 499,458 units in the first half of the year, up from 399,059 in 2007.

The Greek computer market fell by 3.7 pct in the April-June period, compared with the same period last year, with enterprises recording the biggest decline.

[24] Bank of Cyprus reports 6.0 pct increase in H1 after tax profits

The non-performing loans rate improved to 3.6 pct in June 20, 2008, from 4.6 pct a year earlier, while its loan portfolio grew by 28 percent and its saving deposits grew by 9.0percent over the same year. The non-performing loan from activities in Greece was 3.2 pct.

The bank reported strong credit expansion in Cyprus, Greece and new markets, with loans growing at 28 percent. In Greece, after tax profits totaled 55 million euros, up 8.0 percent from the same period in 2007.

In Cyprus, after tax profits grew 3.0 pct to 179 million euros, in Russia profits totaled 400,000 euros and in Romania 1.3 million euros.

[25] ASE to introduce new structured products, attract shipping companies

The new plans were discussed during a meeting between Hellenic Exchanges' executives with representatives of SMEHA, the stock market members' association, on Wednesday.

Under the plan, ASE is expected to complete a round of consultations before the end of the year, so that trading of new products could begin immediately. The Greek bourse seeks to attract a total of 28 shipping companies -of Greek interests- listed in the stock markets of New York and London, with a total capitalization of 24 billion US dollars.

[26] Greek stocks end 0.20 percent higher

Most sectors moved higher, with the Chemicals (4.09 pct), Travel (2.13 pct) and Banks (1.21 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Telecommunications (3.47 pct), Food/Beverage (2.21 pct) and Financial Services (1.84 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE 20 index rose 0.54 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 0.57 pct lower and the FTSE 80 index eased 0.08 pct. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 117 to 104 with another 57 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: -1.60%

Industrials: -1.33%

Commercial: -1.15%

Construction: +0.62%

Media: -1.19%

Oil & Gas: -1.08%

Personal & Household: -0.26%

Raw Materials: -0.58%

Travel & Leisure: +2.13%

Technology: -0.25%

Telecoms: -3.47%

Banks: +1.21%

Food & Beverages: -2.21%

Health: -1.34%

Utilities: +0.20%

Chemicals: +4.09%

Financial Services: -1.84%

The stocks with the highest turnover were National Bank, OTE, Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank.

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

Alpha Bank: 21.10

ATEbank: 2.30

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.30

HBC Coca Cola: 16.10

Hellenic Petroleum: 8.26

National Bank of Greece: 31.30

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 16.18

Intralot: 10.38

OPAP: 23.60

OTE: 13.90

Piraeus Bank: 20.42

Titan Cement Company: 24.60

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the Big Cap index totaled 11,718 contracts worth 113.126 million euros, with 34,332 open positions in the market, while on the Mid Cap index volume was seven contracts worth 146,420 euros, with 23 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 11,373 contracts worth 13.721 million euros, with investment interest focusing on Marfin Popular Bank's contracts (3,856), followed by OTE (1,856), Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling (649), National Bank (1,306) and ATEbank (461).

[28] Greek bond market closing report

In money markets, interest rates were mixed. The 12-month Euribor rate was 5.40 pct, the six-month rate 5.15 pct, the three-month rate 4.96 pct and the one-month rate 4.48 pct.

[29] Foreign Exchange rates: Friday

U.S. dollar 1.580

Pound sterling 0.795

Danish kroner 7.521

Swedish kroner 9.542

Japanese yen 170.27

Swiss franc 1.640

Norwegian kroner 8.164

Canadian dollar 1.595

Australian dollar 1.645

General News

[30] Two dead in tanker explosion

Reports said that one of the dead men is probably a crew member while the identity of the second man has not been known.

Latest reports said that seven workers, five Greeks and two foreigners, were still missing, after a review of the list of workers employed at the time of the explosion.

[31] Papariga on explosion at tanker

Speaking from Kilkis, she said that "for years now, without protection measures by the governments, the tankers are transformed into hell holes of harsh exploitation."

Papariga noted that "those responsible for the crimes at Perama" should be put on trial.

[32] Fire on Rhodes unchecked for third day

Fire fighters managed to partially contain the flames during the night but the blaze was reignited in the morning when stronger winds began to blow in the area, spreading to surrounding forest.

A strong fire-fighting force and local residents are currently trying to extinguish the flames, assisted by six water-bombing aircraft. A short while ago and in response to the difficult situation, Southern Aegean Region General Secretary Haralambos Kokkinos filed a request for additional fire-fighting planes.

[33] Four fire-fighter planes from Italy and France will aid in extinguishing Rhodes fire

The Civil Protection General Secretariat in an announcement on Thursday said that the general secretary, following communica-tion with his counterparts from Italy and France, submitted a request for the activation of FIRE 5, while at the same time a request for assistance was also submitted to the European Union through MIC. Both FIRE 5 and the European Civil Protection Mechanism responded immediately.

Thus, two CL-415 aircraft of the Italian Civil Protection took off from their base at Rome International Airport and landed at Rhodes International Airport at 7:30 p.m. Two similar aircraft of the French Civil Protection, will take off at the crack of dawn on Friday from their base at Marignane, southern France, and are expected to land at Rhodes Diagoras airport at 4:30 p.m.

[34] Fires across Greece; one arrest, one conviction

The fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in Varibobi, Athens and threatened the region of Krioneri was under control early Thursday morning after turning roughly 30 hectares of dense woodland into ashes.

Fire-fighting efforts were hampered by the strong wind that blew from different directions. A total of 36 fire engines operated by 108 firemen, 82 fire-fighters on foot, 7 water bombing aircraft and 3 helicopters combated the blaze assisted by 20 local government water tankers and many volunteers.

Also under control are the wildfires in the region of Ancient Calydon in Messolonghi, west-central Greece and the three fronts in the municipality of Itilos in Mina, Briki and Vamvakas in Lakonia prefecture in southern Greece.

A wildfire erupted shortly before noon on Thursday in a wooded region in Maniaki, Messinia prefecture in southern Greece. Seven fire engines and two firefighting aircraft are combating the flames.

The fires in Poulades on the island of Corfu, in Agia Triada Mouzoura near Chania on Crete, in the region of Karies in Corinth prefecture and in Agios Andreas on the island of Kefallonia were all under partial control by Wednesday evening.

A fire that broke out on Wednesday afternoon in brush land on Mt Pangeo in Serres prefecture, northern Greece, caused by a lightning storm, was placed under control by firefighters and aircraft assisted by the rain.

Meanwhile, a 61-year-old man was arrested for arson due to negligence, accused of being responsible for the fire in the region of Agios Isidoros on the south-eastern Aegean island of Rhodes. In a separate case, a 60-year-old man was sentenced to 2 years in prison and received a 3,000-euro fine after a court in the northwestern city of Arta found him guilty of arson caused by negligence. The court ruling concerned the July 17 fire in the region of Rodavgi that destroyed 3 hectares of low vegetation.

Mount Pangeos fire reignited

Strong winds on Thursday reignited a fire on the summit of Mount Pangeon, which had been put out the previous day after it started to rain. Fire-fighting teams from the Serres fire brigade, the Rodolivous municipality and Kavala prefecture arrived on the scene but were unable to approach the flames because of the rough terrain.

The fire-fighting effort is also being assisted by fire brigade aircraft.

Octagenarian held for Varibobi fire

An elderly 81-year-old man was arrested and taken before a public prosecutor on Thursday, accused of accidentally starting the fire that swept through forest in Varibobi on Wednesday through negligence.

According to the charges, the suspect threw a lit cigarette butt onto grass and pine needles that he had collected while clearing a plot of land.

Weather forecast

[35] Mostly fair on Friday

[36] The Thursday edition of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Attica (prefecture) in flames again - Devastating fires in Varibobi, Krioneri".

APOGEVMATINI: "Gruevski (FYROM prime minister) slapped by Barroso (European Commission president) and Merkel (German chancellor) - Panama withdraws recognition under the name 'Macedonia', adopts the term FYROM".

AVGHI: "Zorbas against (Economy and Finance Minister George) Alogoskoufis and (Supreme Court Prosecutor George) Sanidas - Swan song by Zorbas in Parliament" (following the abolition of the independent money laundering watchdog he headed and its repacement with a new agency).

AVRIANI: "500 pages with bribe recipients and kickbacks based on 9 bank accounts belonging to (former Siemens General Director) Prodromos Mavridis".

CHORA: "Anyone who dares can move against the government - Clear message by (government headquarters) Maximos Mansion targeting pawns serving 'known' interests".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Former head of the committee against black money Zorbas appeared bitter in parliament".

ELEFTHEROS: "Shocking revelations against the government and Justice by Zorbas".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "85,413,152 euros looted from farmers - Government to rebate fuel taxes".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Zorbas left the government exposed concerning the cases of the structured bonds, Siemens, Germanos".

ESTIA: "PASOK-SYRIZA collaboration - Why it is impossible".

ETHNOS: "Accusations of scandal cover ups - Zorbas attacks Alogoskoufis-Sanidas".

KATHIMERINI: "Clash between Alogoskoufis and Zorbas".

LOGOS: "Intervention on passenger ferry ticket prices - Competition Committee requests authorization".

NIKI: "Zorbas' accusations against Alogoskoufis - Shocking testimony in Parliament".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Health and pension card to be introduced - Healthcare slashed down, intense business activity in the sector".

TA NEA: "Zorbas' accusations against the government, Sanidas - Serious allegations on scandal cover ups".

TO VIMA: "Accusations by Zorbas - Attacks on the government and Justice".

VRADYNI: "Great real estate deals in upgraded regions across Greece - Used houses in big demand".

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