U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry expressed his concern over the potential release of convicted November 17 terrorist Savvas Xeros to Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias upon the latter’s official visit to Washington. The Greek official assured his U.S. counterpart that Xeros will not be released but he will be placed under house arrest. “Our efforts on counterterrorism could not be more important together in the future. Obviously, we’re very concerned that those who have committed acts of terrorism who’ve been incarcerated need to remain incarcerated. And we hope that we can work through all of our policy issues, because the relationship between us is so important, and obviously we wish the new government in this moment of challenge we wish it well and we look forward to being supportive and being helpful in the days ahead,” said Mr. Kerry. Mr. Kerry’s comment came after U.S. Ambassador to Greece David Pearce made an official statement regarding the potential release of the terrorist who is officially blind. “If Savvas Xeros–or anyone else with the blood of American diplomats and U.S. Mission members on their hands—leaves prison, it will be seen as a profoundly unfriendly act.” The U.S. State Secretary also stressed the alliance ties between the two countries and Greece’s economic hardships. “We have strong ties and we are NATO partners, and obviously we are in challenging times. We are very aware of the sacrifices the people of Greece have been called on to make because of the challenges of the economy and also the challenges of terrorism and counterterrorism, but particularly the economy right now.” Mr. Kerry then expressed his confidence that Greece will implement reforms that will help end the crisis and lead to a new path of growth. He also touched on the alliance issue over the Ukraine crisis. “I would hope very much, Mr. Minister, that we have an ability to be able to maintain the strong U.S.-European partnership with respect to our support for Ukraine, the need to be able to encourage Russia in every way possible to live up to the Minsk agreement and to help bring about peace in the region, and also to work together on longer-term challenges like energy, energy supplies, and diversification for the region.” Nikos Kotzias thanked the U.S. official for the invitation and underlined that “I’m here as a friend – as a friend with somebody who’s working together with us for democracy and peace against terrorism. And I hope that our relations will be deepened and that we will find new feat of cooperation. I think I can – we can be sure that the new law in Greece about the prisoners will not let any terrorists become free. It will be not only a test of the detention of – the way of this detention, nobody will become free. I am very thankful for this invitation.” The Greek Foreign Minister will remain in the U.S. capital until Thursday. He is also scheduled to meet with National Security Advisor Susan Rice and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
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