Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, in an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC published on Friday, stressed that "terrorism constitutes a grey veil which covers all the levels of our democratic society and endangers the values of our culture."

Karamanlis said Greece remains committed to the common struggle and reminded that it remains actively involved in the efforts of NATO for safeguarding stability and peace in the international system.
"The struggle against terrorism must be carried out effectively on the one hand, but in the framework of the law on the other, as suits modern democratic countries. There is a crucial balance between security and the protection of individual rights, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the EU," the prime minister said.

Asked whether terrorism in Greece has been eradicated with the trials for the November 17 and Revolutionary Popular Struggle (ELA) groups, Karamanlis said "we achieved a very important victory against terrorism in Greece. This success was possible thanks to the joint efforts of all political forces and the unshakeable conviction of citizens that in our liberal society democratic institutions, individual freedoms and human dignity cannot possibly be stigmatized by criminal acts, particularly when this takes place with an appeal in the name of politics and ideas. The members of N17 were tried and convicted in accordance with the charge."

Describing his economic strategy, the prime minister said the main target is a new economic policy stretching up to 2010, adding that the Greek economy has great potential, but needs a policy that will be steadfastly oriented towards development, employment and social cohesion.
"Our task is difficult, primarily over the next two years. We want to tidy up Greece and we are optimistic that we shall succeed," Karamanlis said.

Source: Athens News Agency

^
top

print this page   send this page