The Greek government announced on Sunday that it has requested assistance from the USA and Russia to contain the fires ravaging the southern part of the country, which have so far claimed around 50 lives, and that both countries are ready to respond to the request. In the fight against the fires that have been burning across the country since Friday, particularly in the Peloponnese, European countries have already participated by providing Greece with 24 water bombers and helicopters. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis thanked the European Union countries for their assistance, adding that the Israeli government has also offered help.
Greece has received assistance from France, Germany, Šwitzerland, Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Serbia. The fires that have devastated parts of Greece this summer are the deadliest in the world in the last 150 years. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency across the country and announced three days of mourning. By Monday, flags on all public buildings in Greece will be flown at half-mast. (Hina)
