Anti-Gold Mining Committee presses DUTH rector to clarify remarks
The Interregional Committee of Rhodope and Evros Against Gold Mining has called on the Rector of Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), Fotis Maris, to clarify controversial remarks he made during a recent public forum in Alexandroupoli.
The committee expressed concern over the Rector’s closing statement at an event organized by Eleftheros Typos, which featured representatives of Eldorado Gold – Thrace Metallurgy, the Canadian-backed company promoting gold mining projects in northern Greece.
According to the Committee, Maris stated that society’s objections should not deter progress, urging the audience "not to pander to those who are numerous, nor to factor in the resistance of society, but to look ahead.”
The statement sparked immediate reaction from anti-mining advocates, who issued a press release questioning whether the Rector’s comments reflect a personal view or represent the broader stance of the academic community at DUTH.
“It would be useful for the Rector to clearly state which project or issue he was referring to, especially given the presence of a Thrace Gold Mines director who promoted the company's plans at the same event,” the Committee said.
They also urged Maris to declare whether he supports or departs from the position of his predecessor, former Rector Konstantinos Remelis, who had openly opposed gold mining in the region and aligned himself with the concerns of local communities.
The statement emphasized that “we, the many who resist,” feel dismissed by the Rector’s comments, and reaffirmed that a majority of the university’s faculty and students prioritize serving the long-term interests of Thrace and its people.
“Let it be clear: we will not allow anyone to place a tombstone on this land,” the Committee concluded.
