Katerina Sakellaropoulouvisited shortly after noon Nikos Androulakis. This was his first meeting with the President of the Republic since his election to the leadership of PASOK-KINAL.

Mr. Androulakis told Ms. Sakellaropoulou that he asked for a meeting as Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine continues, the escalating energy crisis that affects all European states and especially the most vulnerable citizens of Greece and Europe, and Erdogan’s unacceptable provocations at the expense of sovereign rights that defy any respect for international law and the conditions of good neighborliness. “That is why there must be a holistic response from Europe, which will also be about the arms embargo, but also, of course, about the new architectural relationship between the European Union and Turkey that will ensure our sovereign rights,” added the President of the PASOK Movement. for change.

Nikos Androulakis also raised the issue of wiretapping, stating that this is not a personal issue, but a democratic issue, and it should be closed without leaving a shadow in the political system, and this is primarily the responsibility of the government. As Mr. Androulakis pointed out to the President of the Republic, “it is inconceivable that there are islands of state activity which some consider to be above the judiciary and above parliamentary control.” “I really hope that this case will eventually become an opportunity to further strengthen the independent power in our country, that even in this case their role will be very important, so that there is a guarantee of the rule of law – and this is very important, and we should look at it. dynamic in the future and how they need to be further strengthened to secure human rights, institutions and our democracy.”

For her part, Ms. Sakellaropoulou noted about Erdogan’s provocative statements that “the country is always ready for dialogue while respecting international law and good neighborly relations, but we are always ready to defend our national integrity and our sovereign rights.”

On the issue of wiretapping, the President of the Republic informed the President of PASOK-KINAL that she listened to his position with great interest, recalling that from the very beginning she had indicated the need for an immediate and complete clarification of the case.

“Considering that this concerns the functioning of the state and the prestige of democratic institutions, I have put myself on a principle clearly within my mandate. Mr. President, I am fully aware and aware of the limitations of my position, in accordance with the principle of separation of powers,” the President of the Republic emphasized. He added that the competent authorities in this regard are the Parliament and its Investigative Committee, as well as the court to which Mr. n Andrulakis.

“The case has already been turned over to the authorities, and we all want it to be completed and the investigation to bear fruit as soon as possible. Any extension of this unfinished business is detrimental to our Republic. Your case has most eloquently highlighted the need to improve legislation and best practices in the existing legal framework and to protect the National Intelligence Service. In a modern legal state, each exception to the protection of communication secrets should be interpreted narrowly and subject to control and responsibility,” the President of the Republic stressed.

Source: RES-IPE