Serious allegations of political party interference regarding registration in the 1974 prisoner-of-war registries—which were raised before the Committee on.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program, Mr. Christou clarified that his remarks concerned certain parties, not all of them.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“This happened 7–8 years ago, not now.”
He also spoke about a direct attack he suffered in front of the House of Representatives, saying he did not expect such behavior.
“It was the first time I felt so uncomfortable—when they ushered the reporters out of the chamber, and we left the other representatives from all the ministries who were there inside, so I could tell them which political parties the policies came from and what those policies are. I mean, is this even possible? I was urged to go to the police, give a statement, and name these individuals and their parties.”
Meanwhile, commenting on the individuals who were on the benefit lists but did not appear in the prisoner registries, Mr. Christou noted that the Association listed the names of about 15–20 people, while the Audit Office’s report mentions 130 “gray” cases.
“Two of them had the courage to come forward and tell us. They’ve already told us that politicians helped them.”
Meanwhile, Nikos Keteros, Chairman of the Appeals Committee, apologized during an appearance on the “Alpha Kalimera” show, as to whether Mr. Christou felt uncomfortable during yesterday’s session, explaining why it continued behind closed doors.
“We closed the committee session because of Mr. Christou’s allegations. I’m truly sorry, and I don’t feel good about it either if he felt uncomfortable. You understand that in such sessions, when certain allegations are made… We are in Parliament, and in many cases we ask Mr. Christos to ensure that when evidence is submitted to Parliament, it is presented in a very specific manner. Because the minutes are kept on record, and because after us, others will come who will refer to these minutes.”
Mr. Christou raised the issue of political party interference, and evidence was requested; however, as Mr. Kettiros adds, he did not wish to mention specific names in an open session.
For this reason, at the request of Mr. Koulias and in consultation with the members of the Committee, it was decided to close the session.
According to Mr. Kettiros, Mr. Christou “did not want to disclose specific details again.”
“He referred to two political parties, which I do not wish to name, because there is no substantiated evidence. I certainly won’t mention politicians’ names. I think he should have told us here, and he could have been sure that we would have acted responsibly. Just as we will do with the Chief of Police. We will contact the Chief of Police. Because Mr. Vassos told us that he filed the complaints with the police.”
The Refugee Committee will send a letter to the police to inquire about the authorities’ actions.
Mr. Kettiros, referring to the dire situation faced by refugees—who, unable to make ends meet, are considering and being forced to sell their property in the occupied territories— Mr. Kettiros mentioned a woman who had contacted him.
“A lady came to my office the other day, in tears because she was forced to—some unscrupulous people had found her father’s orchard in the occupied territories. She is a 75-year-old woman who did this so her granddaughter could go to college. Because the parents are burdened with bad loans. Because they turned to the Agency and need three guarantors.”
