Government spokesman issues statement on Androulakis phone-tapping issue
The government tried to get in touch with Nikos Androulakis on the phone-tapping issue, but the PASOK-KINAL leader "chose not to respond," government spokesman Yiannis Economou said on Friday, following the furore created by the resignation of two of the prime minister's key appointees.
Androulakis, who as MEP was notified by the European Parliament of phone tapping attempts, filed a charge with Greece's Supreme Court 10 days ago. The issue was discussed behind closed doors by MPs, ministers, and intelligence officials in Parliament on July 29.
In his statement on Friday, Economou said, "As soon as the case of the legal intrusion - following the approval of a prosecutor - concerning Androulakis came to the prime minister's knowledge, the government sought to brief him fully through (State Minister Giorgos) Gerapetritis, but Mr. Androulakis chose not to respond."
The government spokesman added, "According to PASOK leaks, there are calls for the reconvening of the Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Standing Committtee. The government responds positively to this request, hoping that Mr. Androulakis will respond this time and be there in person, so that he can be informed and receive answers about all the particulars regarding the legal intrusion that concerns him - answers that leave no room for arbitrary conclusions and conspiracy theories."
Regarding the opposition party's demand for Parliament to convene an investigating committee on the issue, Economou said the government will respond positively to such a demand, "since the government seeks absolute clarification of the specific issues over time, under the obvious condition that all necessary confidentiality procedures are observed."
AMNA