The last few meters are the hardest, say long-distance runners. Imagine how Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos must feel with the string of farewells ahead of him. On Wednesday, he gave a reception for the ambassadors of the 25 European Union member states. On Thursday, it was the turn of the chiefs of staff, and so it goes for the final weeks of his term of office. The only thing that is certain is that he will celebrate the Clean Monday holiday at his holiday home in Rio, as he did throughout his tenure as president, with his sons, daughter and grandchildren. His simple habits did not change when he assumed the presidency, and they will not change now when he relinquishes it. The president does not seem anxious about the imminent change. He is just as affable, precise and punctual to the minute as ever. And now he can measure the hours and minutes to his departure from the presidency with the help of a Swiss watch given to him by the 25 EU ambassadors. Luxembourg Ambassador Fernand Kartheiser made a warm speech on behalf of them all. Stephanopoulos responded with feeling in French.