The government is focusing its efforts on restoring the devastation caused by the fires in the Peloponnese, while the Fire Brigade is tackling fire rekindling. Meanwhile, a meeting was held under Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis’ chairmanship in Tripolis on Monday on the relief measures for the fire afflicted and the reconstruction of the burnt regions. "The state’s obligation does not stop with the measures we have taken for the relief of our fellow citizens and the fire hit regions. We have a lot to do to heal the wounds caused by the fires and transform the present state to a faster and more efficient," stressed Mr Karamanlis after the meeting.

"We are already in the Next Day"

The prime minister described the plan for the reconstruction of the burnt regions national as it concerns all Greece and because it requires cooperation from all parties. He also appeared certain that the self governments, the local societies and citizens would not only support it but be in the first line for the new battle for a better future for all.

"It is time for work," stressed Mr Karamanlis, adding "many positive messages have emerged from the hardship we underwent." Mr Karamanlis spoke of heroism and self-sacrifice of those who had battled the flames, messages of solidarity and humanity for those, who contributed to the joint effort, as well as messages of fresh patriotism. The prime minister reported that we have to increase the project these measures and above all being united build our future course."

Mr Karamanlis also pointed out that we are already in the next day, stressing that we have all to move ahead and work together, securing a new friendly prospect to Greece’s development.

He also referred to the EU’s stance to Greece during these difficult times, adding that Europe is and will remain by Greece’s side. In parallel, he said that the government would do everything to secure the EU’s wider contribution for Greece’s reconstruction.

Referring to the relief measures directed to the fire afflicted, he stressed that the top priority remains the implementation of the government’s plans at the same pace. He also added that the fire afflicted should not abandon their areas and instead continue working in the primary sector.

In parallel, he stated that the state’s commitment and obligation is to fully compensate the fire afflicted for their burnt livestock and cultivations, guaranteeing their income for as long as it is necessary until the rural production commences. Furthermore, the fire afflicted will receive support or have their equipment and installations replaced. Additionally, the fire afflicted will be provided with the necessary quantities of animal feed, provided grazing is not possible on their burnt fields.

Finally, the prime minister thanked all locals and volunteers, who had helped the Fire Brigade to combat the fires.


ELGA Compensates

Participating in the meeting were National Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis; Deputy Interior Minister Thanasis Nakos; Deputy Rural Development & Food Minister Alexandros Kontos; as well as the Region Head for the Peloponnese; the Prefect of Arcadia and mayors of the fire hit regions. After a meeting, Mr Kontos announced measures in the support of stockbreeders and farmers in fire afflicted Arcadia.

He also stressed that ELGA (Hellenic Organisation of Agricultural Insurances) and PSEA (Civil Emergency Planning Directorate) had already begun compensating the fire hit people, adding that a five-member committee would see to the compensation of the fire afflicted, providing them immediately with animals and distributing animal feed for free.

Meanwhile, farmers in Euboea have begun receiving their compensations as of today.

Over 22,000 farmers and stockbreeders from the fire hit regions have already received down payments, while the procedure continues at fast pace.

Besides, after his meeting with the President of the Hellenic President Karolos Papoulias, the President of the Relief Fund Petros Moliviatis stated that €62,372,437 had been deposited to the Fund, expressing the state’s gratitude to all who are depositing money to the aid of the fire afflicted.

Mr Papoulias assured that each euro would be spent on the cause it had been donated for, praising the people’s solidarity and generosity during these crucial times.

Meanwhile, in response to Environment Minister George Souflia’s appeal, big construction firms will materialize flood protection works for free.

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ÁNA