SUNDAY AVRIANI, Let the injustice be rectified.

Let the injustice of the prohibition on women’s entry to Athos be rectified
To Panagiotis Mavrikos.	17. 06. 2001

“I insist on the lifting of the prohibition at Mount Athos and believe that it is only a matter of time before this injustice is rectified.” The PASOK MEP, Anna Karamanou, returns to the issue of lifting the prohibition at Mount Athos in an interview she gave to “K.A.” which we publish today. This topic has provoked strong reactions from ecclesiastical circles, as well as from government circles.

“If necessary, I will discuss the matter with the Prime Minister… the fact that the government has not taken a position does not mean that the request of women is not justified,” Ms. Karamanou states.

Did the “stomach” that the government had concern you?

I don’t think the government has ever been in decline. Some problems are, of course, fabricated by the media. There may have been some actions that weren’t as successful regarding the social security system, but that doesn’t mean we should disregard the tremendous work the government has accomplished in recent years, which has garnered admiration and respect from our European partners. The government’s achievements cannot be dismissed due to a few not-so-successful actions.

However, the reactions from top officials of PASOK continue.

Look, PASOK is a large party that accommodates all opinions. But the truth is one: this government is one of the most successful that the country has ever had. Mr. Simitis has shown capability, effectiveness, prudence, and wisdom. Our party can hold all opinions, even those that do not align with reality and the truth.

If you had the prime minister in front of you, what initiatives would you ask him to undertake?

The prime minister has both judgment and insight and will proceed with actions that will restore the climate of trust within the party. At the last Central Committee meeting, there was ultimately a spirit of cooperation and unity. The prime minister’s initiatives could relate to either a cabinet reshuffle or a framework for dialogue ahead of the Congress. I believe the prime minister is well aware of the internal processes and can establish the appropriate framework.

Are there potential prime ministers within PASOK?

Certainly, there are. It’s an honor and a source of pride that we have members with the skills and capabilities to become prime ministers. It’s a noble competition, and in the end, the best will prevail. In PASOK, reason prevails, and the best emerges.

Yes, I persist in advocating for the lifting of the ban on women entering Mount Athos. It’s an important issue that deserves attention and discussion.

Certainly. I believe it’s only a matter of time before this unacceptable discrimination against women is resolved. This decision, made a thousand years ago during one of the darkest periods in human history, when women had no rights and were not recognized as having any place in society, will eventually be overturned.

Now life has progressed, and women’s rights have been recognized constitutionally and through international treaties. Women are equal to men. I believe that recognition in all areas is just a matter of time before this injustice is addressed.

From which body will the decision be lifted?

The decision will be made by the monks themselves, under the pressure of the recognized rights of women.

Are you referring to any governmental initiative?

I don’t know. However, the European Parliament has already made its position clear.

However, there have been reactions and they are expected to continue?

Any form of innovation in Greece provokes reactions, especially from the fanatics and those who hate dialogue.

Should we expect some initiatives?

Questions have already been raised by other MEPs regarding the issue.

However, the government did not take a stance.

The government did not prioritize this issue. However, this does not mean that, because the government did not take a stance, the women’s request is not justified.

Will you discuss the issue with the prime minister?

Of course, if necessary, I will discuss it.