24 Jan 2001
GREECE:
Greek Bombing Raises Fear Among Foreign Diplomats
Foreign diplomats in Athens are reportedly complaining that Greek authorities are stalling on requests for security changes to protect embassy employees, made in the wake of the murder of British Brigadier Stephen Saunders in June of last year. The delays are doing little to stem growing concerns about Greece's ability to crack down on political violence and terrorism ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games to be held in their country.
Greece has allegedly long been "a weak link" in the international fight against terrorism. But foreign diplomats in Athens have become increasingly nervous since last Sunday night, when a remote-controlled bomb injured Vassilios Michaloliakos, a right-wing member of parliament. No group or person has claimed responsibility for the explosion, which left the opposition MP with facial and chest injuries. Police are said to be investigating the possibility that it was the work of November 17, the elusive terrorist group responsible for the murder of Saunders, the British military attaché in Athens, last June 8th.
There have been no arrests nor firm leads during a 25-year spell of bombings, rocket attacks and shootings by the November 17 group, which has killed 22 people and injured more than 100. The murder of Saunders sent concern through the diplomatic community in Athens, prompting Western and European embassies to begin an urgent review of their security measures. Diplomats in Athens have been a frequent target for the group, which espouses an explosive mix of Marxism and extreme nationalism.
Foreign missions, however, have also borne attacks by other, less lethal, anti-Western or anarchist fringe groups. Diplomatic vehicles and those belonging to Western businesses are regularly the target of firebombs. The Italian embassy has had eight cars burned in the past two years.
Diplomats cite "bureaucratic foot-dragging" and "a lack of attention" by the Greek authorities in dealing with their safety concerns. The British embassy, for example, is pressing for the relaxation of rules which limit the number of armored cars permitted for personal protection. The Greek government allows one armored car for every three diplomatic staff. Foreign embassies in London, by contrast, are allowed one armored car for each diplomat.
Other embassies, including those of Germany, Belgium and Italy, have been frustrated by the progress of applications for Greek license plates, which could help make their vehicles less of a target. They are also perplexed by the lack of clear guidelines on the assignment of extra police guards for senior embassy staff.
One European diplomat said: "It does not give a good message. Security and safety is supposed to be every government's top priority. We don't doubt the Greek government's political will to fight terrorism, but they don't seem to be able to get their...bureaucracy moving. And that could be very dangerous for us."
June 10, 1998: FIREBOMBINGS PLAGUE GREECE THIS YEAR
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