Samaras: Everyone must help prevent, fight summer forest fires

Before leaving for an official trip to China, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras called on all citizens to help fight summer fires, adding that he is going to be "very strict" if he finds lapses in government, both central and local, in dealing with the problem. Following a government-wide meeting earlier in the day - the third since January - on Greece's summer blight, the premier said, "We are facing a difficult and hot summer ahead, but it also happens to be a very fruitful tourist season. We are expecting more than 17 million tourists, from all countries, who have selected Greece as their destination."

Their choice to vacation in Greece, a result of hard preparations and a vote of confidence in Greece is also "a great relief to our economy," and said that "The state has prepared ahead of time to deal with possible fires in Greece that for years have been destroying our natural wealth and undermine our economy."

Samaras said:

     "I will personally be very strict, if I discover any weakness or inactivity by central and local authorities in preventing and dealing with fires."

Appealing to Greeks, he noted:

     "I ask of citizens and every one individually to help in protecting our natural wealth and protect our common home. In a few days, the Civil Protection Secretariat will initiate a campaign for citizens on how they can contribute fundamentally in the prevention and fighting of fires. The state has an obligation and will carry out its duty, and I am sure that the same will happen with every one of you."

Public Order and Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Dendias warned that this summer season was expected to be especially difficult in terms of fire (because of expected high temperatures) and said his ministry will be coordinating all related fire-fighting forces, by order of the premier.

     "We want a calm summer, and the armed forces will always be at the ready," he added. (AMNA)