AJC on the New Greek Government

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Nov 11, 2011, 12:37 ET

NEW YORK, Nov. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the new Greek unity government was named, AJC expressed the hope that the leaders would successfully confront the major economic challenges facing the country.

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AJC Executive Director David Harris:

"We are long-time friends of Greece, having visited the country countless times over the years to broaden and deepen our links with political leaders, civic representatives, and the Jewish community. Indeed, an AJC delegation was just in Athens and Thessaloniki last week to express solidarity with our friends and learn more about the current situation. We now wish Prime Minister Lucas Papademos every success in addressing the looming issues before him and his countrymen.

"We are, however, deeply concerned by the presence in the new unity government of the LAOS party, headed by Georgios Karatzaferis. According to reports, Karatzaferis has a record of outrageous statements about Jews, including, but not limited to, spreading the libel that Jews were implicated in the 9/11 attacks by their alleged absence from work that day, when nothing could have been further from the truth. We urge the new Greek leadership, understandably preoccupied with the economic crisis, not to permit any such expression of outright bigotry or anti-Semitism to emerge from its ranks.

"At this momentous time of transition for Greece, we wish to take the opportunity to voice our admiration and respect for George Papandreou, the outgoing Prime Minister. When he took office he faced a monumental task, which he sought to fulfill with courage and conviction. Moreover, in foreign policy, he forged a warm link with neighboring Israel, which has accrued to the mutual benefit of both countries. We thank him for his leadership and friendship, knowing that he will continue to play an active role in the life of his beloved country."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee