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GREECE: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras made his first visit to the country ravaged by the worst fires in the country on Monday, while his government's anger over the catastrophe
, a week after the start of the fires, was not announced in advance in what the local media said was an attempt to avoid the protests of residents of seaside communities hard hit at the Is from Athens – Mati and Rafina. Tsipras visited the area for an hour, said his office, meeting with local authorities, firefighters and army officers, and volunteers amid fears that the death toll could exceed 100. "We thank you for everything you do." the prime minister told the rescuers, some of whom were mobilized for three days, to recover charred bodies, maintain safety and work – in an increasingly weaker hope – to locate the survivors. images exclusively broadcast by public broadcaster ERT. "Let the beards fall on us, not you."
On his Twitter account, Tsipras said that he had "infinite respect" for those who fought "against all odds" in the flames.
ALSO [19659009] READ | Funeral begins for victims of forest fires in Greece
But his government is increasingly criticized as people struggle to resume their lives with the help of authorities and volunteers. They are still missing, but many are among the 28 victims whose bodies have been examined by forensic scientists and have not been identified, said local authorities
– "Like a thief" – [19659008] Tsipras had secretly toured the region "like a thief"
"Citizens are no longer influenced by PR stuff, they are asking the truth about why so many lives have been unjustly lost ". The fires hit the coastal communities popular with holidaymakers on July 23, burning with such ferocity that most people fled to the safety of the sea with just the clothes on their backs.
Many then had to wait several hours in the water. Government officials insisted that with the winds blowing at speeds of up to 120 kilometers at the time, there were few people who came to their aid. time to mount an effective evacuation.
ALSO READ | The "serious indications" that the arson began deadly killing killed 82 people: Government of Greece
Tsipras said that he assumes political responsibility for the tragedy while a bitter debate rages on who was to blame. His political opponents say that it is an empty gesture without his resignation
The right-wing and centrist opposition accuse the government of spoiling its response in an area usually affected by forest fires, try to hide the magnitude of the loss of human life. The disaster has unfolded.
[Photo: AP]
The government said that there were indications of arson and that an investigation had been opened. 19659003] Experts said that a mix of poor urban planning, including the lack of adequate access roads and the construction of too many buildings near combustible forest areas, contributed to the worst fires of Europe of this century.
A vigil for the victims, titled "An Excuse to the Dead," will be held Monday outside the parliament in Athens, organized by veteran basketball player Yiannis Gagaloudis.
"(It's) a walk with candles, to illuminate the skies and souls of our compatriots of human beings," wrote Gagaloudis on Facebook
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