Brussels, 31/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - Danuta Hübner, Regional Policy Commissioner, flew over the Peloponnese in a helicopter on Friday 31 August to assess the damage caused by the forest fires of the last few days. Her aim was to gather as much information on this unprecedented disaster as possible and to ensure that all the instruments and funds available will be effectively implemented to assist the victims. Ms Hübner spoke of the situation with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Secretary of State Christos Folias and the president of the Greek Socialist Party (PASOK), George Papandreou. She announced that, once damage assessment was complete, the European Solidarity Fund would come into play to support the citizens and the local economy on the road to recovery.
The president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, is also in the region to provide Commission support to the population hit by this disaster that he described as “European”. Mr Barroso's visit continues on Saturday morning, the Commission spokesman said. (gb)