Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 07-08-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Keeping people, younger generations on their land an 'absolute priority'

[02] PM visits fire-fighting aircraft base in Elefsina

[03] Battle against wildfires continues for fifth day; death toll at 63

[04] Greek forest fires claimed 268,834 hectares in 2007, EFFIS estimates

[05] Molyviatis appointed to head new special emergency crisis fund

[06] By decision of PM all bueaucratic procedures abolished, Minister of State says

[07] Papandreou meets president, slams 'disappointing' government

[08] PASOK spokesman on asymmetrical threats

[09] Communist Party resuming pre-election campaign

[10] KKE leader addresses rally in Kaminia

[11] SYN leader Alavanos submits proposals concerning wildfires

[12] Greek, Turkish PMs hold telephone conversation

[13] US condolences over wildfires

[14] AHEPA grief over destruction, expresses hope for apprehension of culprits

[15] Bulgarian PM expresses condolences for dead from fires

[16] Egyptian president sends condolences for victims of fires

[17] Supreme Court receives 29 applications by parties for participation in elections

[18] National Bank allots 50 mln euros in aid for fire-affected inhabitants

[19] Latsis group to fund 60-mln-euro aid programme for fire-stricken regions

[20] New Democracy party gives 500,000 euros for fire stricken

[21] PPC says net profit up 4.3 pct in H1

[22] Producer's price index up 1.6 pct in July, yr/yr

[23] ANEK Lines reports improved first half results

[24] Tegopoulos Publications reports first half results

[25] Sfakianakis group reports improved first half results

[26] Greek bond market closing report

[27] ADEX closing report

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

[29] Wildfires in Peloponnese regions easing

[30] Moderate quake felt in fire-ravaged Ilia prefecture

[31] Quake rocks island of Samothrace in the northern Aegean

[32] US embassy closed on Mon.

[33] AEK-Sevilla Champions League qualifer postponed for Mon.

[34] Sunny, slight rise in temperatures on Wednesday

[35] The Tuesday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance Politics

[01] PM: Keeping people, younger generations on their land an 'absolute priority'

Karamanlis emphasised that his presence at the ministries aims to stress the message that "we are all standing by the fire stricken -- All Greeks must be united. To demonstrate, as in the past, that faced with a natural crisis we become one soul, one fist. We are obligated to whatever is possible to support the citizens harmed by the fires," Karamanlis said, adding:

"We must also do whatever we can so the younger generations are not disappointed, so that they remain in their villages to rebuild their homes, to farm their land. This is our absolute priority," Karamanlis added.

The Greek prime minister noted that every effort possible will be made to dramatically reduce redtape and bureaucratic procedures in dolling out aid, assistance and long-term development grants.

[02] PM visits fire-fighting aircraft base in Elefsina

In a brief address, Karamanlis expressed "the gratitude of all Greeks for what they (the pilots) are doing as well as admiration for the self-sacrifice which they show in the carrying out of their difficult mission."

The prime minister assured his full trust and whole-hearted support and noted that "in these difficult hours you are giving the example of solidarity and contribution. With your heroism you are sending messages to the whole of Greek society."

The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the technical personnel who work day and night for the fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters to be in perfect condition and ready for action.

Karamanlis particularly thanked the pilots who arrived from the European Union and from other countries, offering "valuable contribution to the titanic task of completely extinguishing the fires."

The prime minister directed his thanks to the foreign pilots in English and wished them all good health and strength.

[03] Battle against wildfires continues for fifth day; death toll at 63

Two new worrying wildfires, coming on the heels of scores of blazes recorded around the east Mediterranean country since Thursday, were in coastal Syvota township in extreme northwest Greece - Thesprotia prefecture - and at the Agathoto site in the northern Florina border prefecture.

A serious wildfire continues to burn at the Setta site in large Evia island, which was ravaged by wildfires in the Styra district to the south, and around the town of Aliveri, in central Evia.

Military units have joined the fire brigade, seasonal forest fire-fighters and volunteers to battle the blazes, as a sizable contingent of fire-firefighting aircraft from abroad - France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, among others - along with fire-fighters from Cyprus, France and Israel have been thrown into the battle.

The official death toll from the wildfires has risen to 63, although it may possibly increase in the next few days, as a handful of individuals in the fire-stricken areas remain unaccounted for.

On a slightly more positive note, the historic archaeological site at ancient Olympia again opened its doors on Tuesday in tandem with emergency restoration works around the site's wooden areas in the wake of a wildfire that ringed Olympia on Sunday.

[04] Greek forest fires claimed 268,834 hectares in 2007, EFFIS estimates

Greece has lost upward of 268,834 hectares of forest to fires in 2007, of which 183,987 were claimed by the massive flames that swept across roughly one third of the country from Friday to Sunday, according to estimates released on Tuesday by the European Forest Fires Information System (EFFIS).

EFFIS offers information such as damage estimates using satellite technology, as well as weather forecasts and fire-risk predictions. According to the system, conditions will be less favourable for starting fires in the coming days, which will assist the efforts of fire-fighters to bring the blazes still raging across many areas of Greece under control.

A spokesman for the European Commission, meanwhile, referred to the assistance being offered to Greece by European Union member-states and non-EU countries in its efforts to put out the fires, providing fire-fighting aircraft and helicopters and ground forces.

Specifically, Greece has accepted Spain's offer to send two more Canadair fire-fighting planes, raising the number of planes offered by the EU to ten, while one more Portuguese plane arrived on Monday. Austria, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland and Romania have also offered to send planes and helicopters, while Cyprus has sent six fire-engines and 60 fire-fighters and Poland 30 fire-fighters and 50 fire-pumps. Finland has also offered to send a platoon of firemen and Sweden has offered fire-fighting equipment.

The spokesman also confirmed that some countries had requested payment for the fire-fighting equipment offered to Greece, noting the example of Norway that had offered to send the planes of a private company. He underlined that Greece has said it will cover the expenses of the fire-fighting equipment it receives if necessary.

[05] Molyviatis appointed to head new special emergency crisis fund

Molyviatis will head the new state-run fund's five-member board of directors.

Meanwhile, the economy and finance ministry has opened a special bank account - 2341103053 -- available in all Greek bank branches for anyone wishing to donate assistance to the fire-stricken.

[06] By decision of PM all bueaucratic procedures abolished, Minister of State says

Roussopoulos added that they will be able to contact the banks in question as of Wednesday, sign their formal applications there and with their identity card or some identity document to receive the first 3,000 euros from the cash desk.

If damaged has been caused to household effects in the first home or country house, he further said, they will be able to receive 10,000 euros, but confirmation from the Police, the Fire Brigade or the municipalities is required for this amount.

Roussopoulos explained that these amounts are for initial repairs costs and then the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works ministry will be proceeding with the assessment of possible other amounts.

In the case of large families or families with three children, it will be able to receive an additional 1,000 euros, while if there is a disabled member or members of a family, they will be able to receive an additional 1,000 euros for each member.

The minister said that it is the first time that the public sector is overcoming bureaucratic difficulties that existed for decades and this was the meaning of the prime minister's advice.

He also revealed that, in principle, the Public Power Corporation (DEH) will not be sending any bills to wildfire sufferers until September 30, while tons of drinking water have been sent, as well as 400 policemen to prefectures affected by the wildfires.

Roussopoulos said that amounts ranging between 100,000 and one million euros will be provided for information on arsonists, in accordance with the extent of the wildfires' consequences, while in the health sector, a fully equipped mobile medical unit has already been sent and at the end of the week the Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED) will be contributing 10 million euros to the Special Fund and a special bonus will be given to all the unemployed wildfire sufferers.

Lastly, he mentioned that the Labour Housing Organisation has announced that wildfire sufferers can be housed in hotels for free, while the education ministry will be giving a special bonus amounting to 1,500 euros to students from wildfire-stricken regions.

[07] Papandreou meets president, slams 'disappointing' government

"We are all facing a national tragedy. We stand forward during this national crisis with a united spirit and deep feelings of solidarity and support for the victims, with every desire to offer and every desire to contribute in all possible ways in the handling of this crisis," he told reporters after the meeting.

According to Papandreou, the government had proved "pitifully incapable" of dealing with the issue of the fires throughout the summer and had not been been able to save the lives, property and homes of Greek citizens.

It was now continuing to behave without the required sense of seriousness and responsibility by putting forward theories of a terrorist conspiracy that damaged the country's image, undermined democratic institutions and terrorised the Greek public, the main opposition leader added.

Noting that the country could not cope with a government supported by fear, insecurity, division and fanaticism, he said it was time for the Greek people to choose for themselves a powerful government that guaranteed security, certainty, hope and prospects.

He did not reply when asked if he and Papoulias had discussed a meeting of the political party leaders.

After his meeting with the president, PASOK's leader visited the General Accounting Office where the 1555 helpline for the fire victims has been set up. During the visit, staff briefed Papandreou on the needs expressed by victims of the fires that had been recorded by the helpline operators.

As he was departing, he also briefly met Deputy Economy Minister Petros Doukas who came to the General Accounting Office to meet the main opposition leader when he learned of his visit.

[08] PASOK spokesman on asymmetrical threats

"The president of PASOK dared and called on Mr. Karamanlis yesterday to give any evidence he has to the Greek people now. Did you hear Mr. Roussopoulos giving any evidence today? No. Therefore, there is no evidence, therefore Mr. Karamanlis and his government, at a time when they should be making their self-criticism, at a time when they should be apologising to the Greek people, decided to set up unacceptable and unprecedented propaganda," the spokesman said.

"It has been proved today that the only thing that exists is no September 11 style asymmetrical threat, that is threatening our country, but there is one and only communication plan by the government of the 'September 16' style," Ragoussis added.

[09] Communist Party resuming pre-election campaign

She also reiterated her party's central position, urging voters to reduce backing for the two main parties and to back the KKE.

Papariga clarified that her party was not working with an advertising firm for its campaign, which she said was "inspired by the problems of the people and the experience of social struggle, which give us ideas for slogans, posters and printed material".

Addressing those disappointed with both large parties, she urged them to resist the temptation to cast blank or spoiled votes or to avoid the elections, saying that this suited New Democracy and main opposition PASOK much more than a vote of outright rejection.

KKE's leader stressed that the election result and the extent to which the main parties were punished by an incensed and betrayed electorate would have directly determine which and how many real measures were taken to help the victims of the catastrophe and to develop a policy of prevention.

She also stressed that these problems could not be solved by charity and money from sponsors, who sought and received additional privileges at the expense of funding for technical and social infrastructure, or Al Gore-type benefit concerts.

Regarding the measures announced by the government for those stricken by the fires, Papariga denounced them as inadequate and not rising to the occasion since they were short-term and would not reverse the decline of the countryside.

[10] KKE leader addresses rally in Kaminia

Referring to the tragic events concerning wildfires in the Peloponnese and in Evia, Papariga said that on the way to the polls one should not forget the victims of Samina and of Rikomex, as well as of the hundreds of labour accidents that take place.

Papariga said that the slogan on the way to the polls must be "let anti-popular policy burn and those responsible for it who create thousands of victims," adding that otherwise grief and tears will have no effect.

The KKE leader called on the people to strengthen KKE because it is the only party that can struggle against the interests of plutocracy and warned that the people must not be dazzled by the quarrel between the two major parties that will worsen as the elections draw near.

Lastly, Papariga said that KKE is bringing to the surface the main issue that must be judged in the elections and which is what kind of growth does one want for Greece from whom and for whom.

[11] SYN leader Alavanos submits proposals concerning wildfires

In his letter, Alavanos, who also conveyed it to President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, said that "the prime minister (Costas Karamanlis) has not accepted his proposal, as well as others, for a meeting of political party leaders to confront the problems caused by the wildfires, on an immediate and long-term basis."

[12] Greek, Turkish PMs hold telephone conversation

Karamanlis in turn thanked Erdogan for sending a Turkish firefighting aircraft that is already participating in firefighting operations.

[13] US condolences over wildfires

"Americans share Greece's agony. Many of us have seen this country's great beauty and enjoyed its warm hospitality personally, as I and my family have for the past two years. Many other Americans know of Greece through its history and cultural achievements, and were relieved to learn that the fires did not damage the site of the ancient Olympic Games," a press release issued by the US embassy noted, adding that the US government has contributed $100,000 to the Hellenic Red Cross as immediate humanitarian assistance.

Countryman also said that acting US Under Secretary for Financial Assistance Henrietta R. Fore will meet with Greek officials to discuss possible US assistance towards Greece.

[14] AHEPA grief over destruction, expresses hope for apprehension of culprits

He further noted that "currently, we are making inquiries to the government of the Hellenic Republic to explore how we can offer our resources to help the people of Greece. Also, we will outreach to the United States government and to local domestic agencies to see if we can encourage or sponsor their participation."

Gulas stressed that "the AHEPA emergency response team has been asked to mobilize the chapters in an effort to assemble care packages to be sent to the victims of this terrible environmental disaster, and additional implementations will be forthcoming."

The AHEPA leader also noted that "moreover, we are grateful to Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and to all nations who continue answering Prime Minister Karamanlis' call for international assistance by providing water-dropping aircraft..."

"... Finally, we hope that the individuals responsible for these deplorable acts are apprehended and brought to justice."

[15] Bulgarian PM expresses condolences for dead from fires

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev on Tuesday contacted Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on the phone and expressed his condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in the fires that ravaged roughly one third of Greece.

Stanishev also offered assistance from Bulgaria in the form of medical crews, equipment and anything necessary for the treatment of fire victims.

Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov also contacted his Greek counterpart, President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, and noted the concern felt by all Bulgarians over the disaster and their willingness to help in any way possible.

Parvanov's message was published by the Bulgarian press, while the government announcement referring to the Karamanlis-Stanishev phone call was reported by the electronic media in the country.

The fires in Greece were the top story for the majority of the major Bulgarian news media, which are following the developments in the region very closely.

[16] Egyptian president sends condolences for victims of fires

The Egyptian government has also announced that the country's defence ministry is preparing to send a military aircraft with humanitarian aid for the fire victims, including tents.

[17] Supreme Court receives 29 applications by parties for participation in elections

The Supreme Court prosecutor's office has so far received 29 applications by parties and party coalitions for participation in the elections.

Financial News

[18] National Bank allots 50 mln euros in aid for fire-affected inhabitants

The bank decided to submit the sum of 25 million euros to the Special Fund which it has set up for this purpose (Account No. 2341103053).

The National Bank has allotted the remaining 25 million euros for the financing of complementary initiatives in those which the State will develop, which will aim at supporting the families of the victims of the tragedy, and the reconstruction of the regions which were fire-stricken and in general for the protection of the environment. From this amount, a total of one million euros has been sent at once to 20 affected municipalities for dealing with immediate financial needs.

[19] Latsis group to fund 60-mln-euro aid programme for fire-stricken regions

The entire programme is jointly funded by the Latsis group, the Yannis Latsis Foundation and the bourse-listed EFG Eurobank group, which is controlled by the Latsis family.

In unveiling the programme, Marianna Latsis, the daughter of Yannis Latsis, stressed on Tuesday that "our country is faced with events and conditions that we have never experienced. In the face of this disaster, it is the duty of all to substantially contribute from the heart. I am certain that our father, Yannis Latsis, would have instinctively acted in the same fashion, as he had on numerous occasions during his life to the benefit of his country."

The aid will be funnelled to affected families and the families of victims as well as NGOs and other volunteer organisations active in the field of conservation. Additionally, equipment will be donated to the fire brigade, as per recommendations by the force itself, along with funding of the national programme for restoration of forestlands destroyed in 2007, as delineated by the state.

Twenty million euros of the entire package, allocated by the Latsis Charitable Foundation, will be directed specifically to Ilia prefecture to aid the homeless, grant scholarships to pupils or students that lost parents, as well as towards the repair of public buildings and infrastructure.

Additionally, funding will be allocated for the restoration of the environment around the ancient Olympia archaeological site.

EFG Eurobank will also write-off mortgages, consumer loans and farm-related borrowing for individuals that have lost family members due to the wildfires or individuals that have lost their primary residences or other major property.

[20] New Democracy party gives 500,000 euros for fire stricken

Party spokesman Constantine Arvanitopoulos said that the sum was collected from all the party's candidates in the upcoming elections on September 16 and its European Parliament deputies. The money will be deposited in the National Bank of Greece bank account 054/48010164.

[21] PPC says net profit up 4.3 pct in H1

Greece's electricity utility said pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA), however, eased 4.1 percent to 456.5 million euros in the January-June period, from 475.8 million euros in the same period in 2006. Net profits rose 4.3 percent to 99.4 million euros from 95.3 million euros over the same period, respectively.

PPC said investments totaled 381.9 million euros in the first six months of the year, from 325.8 million in 2006. Revenues from the sale of electricity power rose 6.4 percent to 2.16 billion euros, reflecting an 1.2 pct increase in the volume of sales and a 4.8 pct rise in electricity prices.

Commenting on the figures, P. Athanassopoulos, PPC's chairman and chief executive, said the corporation managed to improve its performance in the second quarter of the year, although he warned that negative conditions "were testing our ability to maintain such growth rates".

[22] Producer's price index up 1.6 pct in July, yr/yr

The statistics service, in a monthly report, said the producer's price index rose 0.5 percent in July from June. NSS attributed the 1.6 pct increase of the PPI to an 1.7 percent rise of the domestic price index and an 1.2 percent increase in the foreign market price index.

Fourlis reports strong first half results

Fourlis Group on Tuesday said its first-half turnover rose 34.1 pct to 269.14 million euros, from 200.77 million in the same period last year. Gross earnings jumped 32.5 percent to 80.14 million euros, while consolidated pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) rose 81 pct to 36.99 million euros (including a 7.01 million euros revenue from the sale of a 10 pct equity stake in P. Kotsovolos AEBE).

Consolidated pre-tax and minorities earnings soared 111.3 percent to 30.39 million euros in the January-June period, from 14.38 million euros last year.

Net profits sky-rocketed, to 21.85 million euros this year, from 8.34 million in 2006, an increase of 162 percent, while earnings per share jumped to 0.43 euros per share from 0.16 euros last year.

The home equipment retail sector (IKEA) recorded a 21.9 pct increase in sales to 99.80 million euros and a 32.2 pct increase in pre-tax profits to 16.33 million euros.

The sports retail sector (Intersport) recorded a 26.7 pct increase in sales and a 98 percent jump in pre-tax profits to 2.68 million euros, while the electronics and electrical appliances sector a 45.7 pct rise in sales over the same period.

[23] ANEK Lines reports improved first half results

Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 67.1 percent to 14.004 million euros, from 8.379 million euros in 2006, while after-tax losses shrank by 80.1 percent to 1.26 million euros from 6.343 million euros over the same period, respectively.

Consolidated turnover was up 8.8 percent to 111.810 million euros, up from 102.81 million in 2006. Pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 52.8 percent to 13.93 million euros. The Group reported a significant 65.5 pct drop in its after-tax losses in the first six months of the year to 2.347 million euros, from 6.794 million euros in 2006.

[24] Tegopoulos Publications reports first half results

After-tax results showed a loss of 122,800 euros, after losses of 4.6 million euros in 2006.

[25] Sfakianakis group reports improved first half results

Parent turnover totaled 181.6 million euros while gross operating earnings totaled 47 million euros and after tax earnings jumped 55.8 percent to 18.4 million euros.

[26] Greek bond market closing report

The 10-year benchmark bond (July 20, 2017) was the most heavily traded security with a turnover of 315 million euros. The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and German bonds remained at 0.30 percent, with the Greek bond yielding 4.57 pct and the German Bund 4.27 pct.

In the domestic interbank market, interest rates moved higher. National Bank's overnight rate was 3.80 pct, the two-day rate rose to 4.05 pct from 3.95 pct on Monday, the one-month rate at 4.40 pct from 4.42 pct and the 12-month rate to 4.71 pct from 4.73 pct.

Sector indices ended as follows:

Insurance: +0.51%

Industrials: -0.83%

Commercial: -0.38%

Construction: -1.01%

Media: -1.71%

Oil & Gas: -1.70%

Personal & Household: -0.81%

Raw Materials: -1.14%

Travel & Leisure: -0.44%

Technology: +0.13%

Telecoms: +1.45%

Banks: +0.20%

Food & Beverages: -1.81%

Health: +1.02%

Utilities: +1.77%

Chemicals: -0.65%

Financial Services: -0.70%

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

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

Alpha Bank: 23.20

ATEbank: 3.64

Public Power Corp (PPC): 22.48

HBC Coca Cola: 35.30

Hellenic Petroleum: 10.32

Emporiki Bank: 19.38

National Bank of Greece: 42.78

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 24.62

Intralot: 25.50

Cosmote: 22.48

OPAP: 26.04

OTE: 23.80

Titan Cement Company: 35.76

[27] ADEX closing report

Volume in futures contracts on the FTSE 20 index totaled 6,920 contracts worth 87.114 million euros, with 45,051 open positions in the market, while on the FTSE 40 index volume was 467 contracts worth 14.268 million euros with 1,026 open positions.

Volume in futures contracts on equities totaled 7,003 contracts worth 16.290 million euros, with investment interest focusing on the Public Power Corporation (714), followed by Marfin Popular Bank (675), Bank of Cyprus (520) Marfin Investment Group (461), Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (334), Motor Oil (327) Intracom (304), ATEbank (223), Cosmote (221), OPAP (168), ELTEX (154) and Alpha Bank (105).

[28] Foreign Exchange Rates - Wednesday

U.S. dollar 1.377

Pound sterling 0.684

Danish kroner 7.503

Swedish kroner 9.447

Japanese yen 158.81

Swiss franc 1.649

Norwegian kroner 8.011

Cyprus pound 0.588

Canadian dollar 1.453

Australian dollar 1.668

General News

[29] Wildfires in Peloponnese regions easing

In statements, Falesia Mayor Yiannis Fousekis spoke of "a biblical catastrophe and an organized plan."

Already, ten prefabricated houses were placed in the region of Falesia Municipality. However, the villages face problems due to the lack of water.

All are still on the alert. The registration has begun of the destruction for the cultivations of arable land.

Meanwhile, Greek Police Chief Lieutenant-General Anastasios Dimoschakis toured the region and spoke to the fire-affected inhabitants of the Peloponnese, telling them that "the presence of police will be intense, continuous and substantial."

[30] Moderate quake felt in fire-ravaged Ilia prefecture

Additionally, a minor quake was recorded earlier in the morning off south-central Greece, in the northern Evoikos Gulf.

[31] Quake rocks island of Samothrace in the northern Aegean

According to the Thessaloniki University's Geophysics Laboratory, the quake occurred at 15.44 in the afternoon and its epicentre was 35 kilometres east-southeast of Samothrace. The tremor was felt on the island and in the nearby town of Alexandroupolis but no damages have been reported.

[32] US embassy closed on Mon.

Soccer

[33] AEK-Sevilla Champions League qualifer postponed for Mon.

The decision to postpone, initially requested by AEK due to a deadly wave of wildfires plaguing the country, was finally taken after the death of Sevilla defender Antonio Puerta was announced on Tuesday.

Puerta, 22, collapsed during a Spanish first division championship game on Saturday. Heart failure was ruled as the cause of death.

UEFA also postponed the holding of the Milan-Sevilla European Super Cup game, scheduled for Friday, whereas the Osasuna-Sevilla championship game was also postponed by the Spanish league.

Weather Forecast

[34] Sunny, slight rise in temperatures on Wednesday

[35] The Tuesday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

ADESFEFTOS TYPOS: "After the flames, the chill. Parties postpone campaign activities"

APOGEVMATINI: "Reconstruction at full speed"

AVGI: "Government responsible. Fires continue destructive course for fourth day"

AVRIANI: "Intelligence service points to Kosovar 'Danilo" as mastermind behind network of arsonists"

CHORA: "How are people going to live? First Measures by the government"

ETHNOS: "Tragic government show atop Greece's ashes"

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Only (Minister of State and up until recently government spokesman Theodoros) Roussopoulos wasn't burned. Premier saved his favored minister from (electoral) disaster," a reference to Roussopoulos' placement on a state deputies' list of candidates, thereby mostly assuring his entrance into the next Parliament.

ELEFTHEROS: "Fears over new provocations"

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Anonymous dead. Only 41 bodies out of the 63 victims have reached a regional hospital to be ID'ed"

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "They're (government) exposed over 'asymmetrical threat' allegation"

ESTIA: "The true asymmetrical threat is the state's, and its agents' �missions"

KATHIMERI: "In the face of reality: Unimaginable destruction"

LOGOS: "Tragedy without end"

NIKI: "Not even an apology. Government shunning its responsibilities"

RIZOSPASTIS: "KKE announcement: Substantive measures in favor of fire-stricken, protection of forests and land"

TA NEA: "They're searching for arsonists, ignoring fires"

VIMA: "Elections of rage. Citizens refusing to answer opinion polls"

VRADYNI: "Reconstruction programme"

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