Papandreou, Christofias visit Artemida

Photo: Funeral held for a 70-year-old woman and her two grand kids in Artemida, Greece, on Friday, Aug. 31, 2007. These 3 persons were among the 19 people who was killed by the fire.

Christofias, likewise, noted that "when Greece runs to Cyprus' aid at difficult times and shows solidarity with Cyprus, then it should be considered a matter of course that Cyprus, with the powers it possessed, should come to the aid of Greece."

The Cyprus president said that the reconstruction project in Artemida had a total budget of 14 million euros, which included flood prevention works, support and safety works and aesthetic improvements for the village. In addition to the various works, Cyprus had decided a series measures for the financial support of local farmers that were gradually beginning, and had approved the building of a central sewage system.

Papandreou said that his own visit was a follow-up of a visit to fire-stricken regions last October, to indicate that his pledge for hope after the disaster would be translated into action.

He said a number of measures were being planned for the prevention of forest fires and to improve protection against them, a report on which was due at the end of the month. Among these he listed a reorganisation of the fire brigade, purchase of new vehicles and equipment, creation of new airborne units and updated protection plans.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of the new village square, to be henceforth named Cyprus Square, in the presence of the delegation from Cyprus, the government and local government officials.

Papandreou and Christofias had earlier deposited flowers at shrines set up just outside the village in memory of the victims of the fires, as well as visiting a new oil press and one of the houses rebuilt with funds from Cyprus.

The premier and Cyprus president were each presented with an olive sapling by the village, as well as the key to the municipality of Zaharo, to which the village belongs.