The need for an immediate and complete clarification of the case telephone monitoring as well as to cover up the activities of the National Intelligence Service, the President of the Republic suggested yesterday Katerina Sakellaropoulouwho intervened with his statement on the central issue of political current events. Ms. Sakellaropoulou stressed in her statement that “protecting the privacy of communications is a fundamental condition for a democratic and liberal society. The exception provided by the Constitution for reasons of national security is due to the need to protect the country in a difficult international environment that requires vigilance and complex balances.

“Immediate clarification of the case with self-restraint and respect for parliamentary procedures and institutions.”

However, with regard to the exception provided for by the Constitution, the President of the Republic emphasized that “it must, however, be interpreted narrowly and its application must comply with the principles of legality and proportionality. Strict observance of the rule of law and transparency of the actions of the state is not only a guarantee of individual rights, but also the most important indicator of the quality of our democracy. This reinforces the confidence in our political contract and the sustainability of our culture. Demands the immediate and complete clarification of the case of telephone tapping, as well as the cover-up of the activities of the National Intelligence Service. With self-restraint and respect for parliamentary procedures and institutions.

Respect for and defense of democracy goes beyond parties and factions, persons and positions. This is the highest duty of all of us towards the Greek people.”