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[04] Karamanlis continues attack on gov't economic policies; cites terrorism issue

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Sunday continued his direct attack on the governments economic policies, during an expanded press conference here on the sidelines of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), while he also criticised what he called the prime ministers handling of the ongoing terrorism investigation.

Among others, he cited a ?major impropriety? on the part of Premier Costas Simitis, charging that the latter has ?opened a dialogue with the terrorists.? He also said he was saddened by the fact that the prime minister continuously ?digs up the past? in order to back up his policy, ?one that is collapsing on all fronts,? Karamanlis added.

Moreover, the ND leader said his partys position on the issue of terrorism cannot be disputed by anyone, stressing that New Democracy does not place blame on any particular political faction, and that ND does not place the terrorists within a specific political wing either.

Conversely, he said that if the entire process to eradicate local terrorist cells is successfully completed, he would be the first to give kudos to the government.

Asked about early elections, he said that if it was up to him he would ?declare elections tomorrow, but I do not ask for them because I cannot force (early elections).?

Karamanlis repeatedly referred throughout the press conference to his disagreement with the PASOK governments economic models, reiterating that his party expresses a completely different outlook for economic growth one based on privatisations of state-controlled enterprises, the deregulation of markets and the development of an attractive framework to lure investment.

In response to a question inaugurating his press conference, the ND leader disputed the statement that he has said the ?Greek economy is collapsing?, clarifying:

?I said the Greek economy, despite whatever positive developments were recorded, still has not answered the questions of if the things that had to be done were done? If Greece is growing with the rates it should? If it (economy) is approaching the European average? If we are truly converging or if with the current rates it will take us decades until real convergence,? he asked.

[05] First woman arrested in 'N17' case temporarily freed; final decision pending

The first woman arrested on terrorism-related charges related to the lethal ?November 17? group was temporarily released late Saturday night following some six hours of testimony before an investigating magistrate.

Angeliki Sotiropoulou, 40, the long-time companion of one ?N17? suspect and the ex-wife of another, Dimitris Koufodinas and Savvas Xiros, respectively, was freed two days after her arrest on three felony terrorism-related counts due to conflicting recommendations by an appellate level prosecutor and the investigating magistrate in the case. The former recommended that she be remanded to custody, while the latter favoured her temporary release with restrictions.

On Sunday evening it was announced that a specially convened council of appellate judges will make a final decision on whether Sotiropoulou is jailed or remains free pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

Sotiropoulou has reportedly denied all the charges against her. The self-described homemaker and mother of one was indicted after authorities announced last week that her fingerprints were lifted from inside one of the elusive terror gangs central Athens hideouts.

Koufodinas has been charged with dozens of felonies, including intentional homicide, for his alleged role as the terror bands chief recruiter and treasurer, among others. Savvas Xiros, meanwhile, proved to be the linchpin in decades-long efforts to finally track down members of the group after an apparent botched bomb attempt in late June left him badly injured at the port of Piraeus.

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