Greek leader suggests political extremists set fires

-- Greek prime minister declares entire country in state of emergency as reported death toll in forest fires approaches 50.

ATHENS, Greece (CNN) -- Fires in southern Greece that have razed dozens of villages and killed at least 44 people may have been deliberately set ahead of next month's national elections, the prime minister suggested Saturday.
Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis declared a nationwide state of emergency Saturday night. He also turned to European Union allies, which have promised help.
Emergency crews pulled charred bodies from homes and local media reported death tolls of up to 50 people.