SUNDAY VRADYNI

We are concerned about the rise of racism.
by Alexis Adam	30. 09. 2001

The following interview was conducted by phone due to distance. The MEP of PASOK, Anna Karamanou, was in Mytilene. Now, how is it possible to be in the North Aegean, on a wonderful island, and give political interviews… Anyway, Anna Karamanou, a person of Europe but also of Greece in Europe, talks about the terrorist attack in the US and the response of the Americans, and, with some difficulty—I confess—about the PASOK Congress.

• How do you comment on all this warlike rhetoric of recent days?

The sense of security among citizens has been shaken. What happened in the US is terrible. Nothing will be as it was before. It is natural for the US to feel the need to retaliate, but it is reassuring that they are being very cautious in their actions. Also, the whole world and all of Europe expressed unwavering support and solidarity with the US, while all sides also expressed the hope that there would be no more innocent victims in the name of retaliation. So far, we see that the actions of the US are very cautious and that a global alliance is being formed to combat terrorism. Terrorism, with its new characteristics, requires international cooperation on many levels.

• Here, a question arises: To what extent can this international cooperation violate individual rights?

It is a fact that such fears are expressed, and I hope that situations will not arise that challenge democratic achievements, fundamental freedoms, and individual rights. On the other hand, it is terrorism that, in practice, undermines, violates, and questions human rights.

It is indeed a fact that we are faced with a dilemma. The fight against terrorism will certainly strengthen police measures, and this justifiably raises fears of potential violations of human rights. In the effort to combat terrorism, there may be unjust arrests, detentions of citizens, or invasions of privacy. These are real concerns, but I believe we are in a position, through the effective functioning of democratic institutions, to safeguard these achievements.

• Can we talk about a reinforcement of the US on a global scale?

This hegemony has existed one way or another. Naturally, after the significant blow the Americans suffered and after even the capability of their intelligence services was questioned, they seek to regain their standing. On the other hand, I believe they are more interested in achieving consensus. They want to create a climate of consensus around any initiatives they undertake because they know that if this climate is disturbed, it will be an even greater blow to their prestige and leadership.

• What is the cause of this delayed reaction from the US?

Logic prevails. Although initially there were war cries, followed by prudence. This is positive because it shows that they understand it is not natural to carry out “blind” strikes against the innocent and the guilty alike. They certainly expressed their solidarity, but they also opposed a “blind” attack that would lead to a clash of civilizations. And it seems that the Americans have respected this and are being prudent. Some favorable alignments are being made that should yield results, because if the opposite happens, their prestige will be undermined.

• In Europe, can we talk about a resurgence of racism?

After the end of the Cold War, we witnessed a rise in racism and xenophobia. Today, there is a fear that these phenomena will intensify and will primarily focus on Muslim and Arab populations. We have already seen the manifestation of such phenomena recently in the UK, with the beating and death of a Muslim taxi driver. This is alarming, as there are 17-20 million Muslims living in the EU. Of course, there is religious freedom in the EU, which is non-negotiable. There are cultural centers, mosques, and children attend schools.

• How much can a US response in Afghanistan affect Greece?

If this strike aims to dismantle bin Laden’s terrorist networks, why should it affect Greece? It would be to our benefit. Look, we are much closer to the Middle East than any other EU country, but the fact that we are a member of NATO and the EU should not make us feel insecure.

Of course, we have traditionally had good ties with the Arab world. But not just our country—the EU as well. From the very beginning, we all stated that we do not wish to rupture relations with the Muslim and Arab world. You see that the Palestinians turned to Europe for the resolution of their issue, but unfortunately, this matter has been taken up by the Americans.

• And amidst all this, we also have the PASOK Congress.

It will be a Congress focused on reflection about contemporary issues and current events. I am absolutely convinced that both Simitis will emerge strengthened and the Movement will be stronger. PASOK is a large party, with a struggle but also a synthesis of ideas. There is freedom, democracy, and respect for differing opinions.

• Speaking with members of your party, they described the Congress as a tea party among friends.

And is that a bad thing? The reality is different from what many media outlets present, which speak of insurmountable gaps.

• Do you mean that these gaps have been bridged?

There were never any gaps. In PASOK, internal party processes function, and where democracy works, problems are resolved.