“It is to Mr. Avramopoulos’ credit that he does not want parliamentary immunity to stand in the way of anything — everything else will be judged by the courts,” stressed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs, Tasos Hatzivasileiou, speaking on Parapolitika 90.1 radio on the show “Ekeini ki Ego” with journalists Stella Gkantona and Thanasis Fouskidis.
When asked whether he agrees with the characterization that Ms. Kövesi is a political activist, Mr. Hatzivasileiou stressed: “I would not want to pass judgment on a prosecutorial official, because — as I have reminded you from the very first moment this case involving me and the case files arose — I made it clear that I both respect and honor the role of every prosecutorial official, whether in Greece or in Europe.”
Tasos Hatzivasileiou: Full statement on Parapolitika 90.1
On developments in the war in the Middle East
T. HATZIVASILEIOU: Nobody believes this can be resolved so easily, but beyond that, let’s focus on the positive — diplomacy is gaining space, time, and ground. A way must be found to end this crisis. From what we can see, we are at a relatively good point as the days go by. On the other hand, we must ensure there are no obstacles to supplying the global oil market and that there is free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We believe that the current regime must not change and that tolls must not be imposed on the Strait of Hormuz. We consider this to be the goal of the final negotiations as well.
On the Avramopoulos case
T. HATZIVASILEIOU: I respect and esteem Mr. Avramopoulos, who has served both New Democracy and the country in various positions of responsibility. It is to his credit that he does not want parliamentary immunity to stand in the way of anything — everything else will be judged by the courts. What I take from his statement is that his participation in the organization in question, alongside other internationally prominent and distinguished figures, was entirely transparent, legal, audited, and approved by the European Commission — and therefore properly declared and taxed. If all of this is true, I understand there is no issue — but it is the justice system that must have its say when the time comes.
When asked whether he agrees with the characterization that Ms. Kövesi is a political activist
T. HATZIVASILEIOU: I would not want to pass judgment on a prosecutorial official. As I have said from the very first moment this case involving me and the case files arose, I made it clear that I both respect and honor the role of every prosecutorial official, whether in Greece or in Europe. I listened carefully to what Ms. Kövesi said at the Delphi Forum and in other interviews. Not all of her statements, in her role as a prosecutorial official, align with my own views — but it is her choice to follow that path. She is judged as we all are.
On the Supreme Court’s decision to reject Ms. Kövesi’s appeal regarding the term of Greek European prosecutors
T. HATZIVASILEIOU: I believe the Supreme Judicial Council is the only body competent to decide and determine which matters will be resolved and how, based on Greek law and existing provisions. No one has the role or standing to judge how the judicial council handles such matters. Since the council has ruled as it has, it is not for any of us to pass judgment on the matter.
