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Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-11-09
CONTENTS
[01] Karamanlis appeals for reopening of occupied schools
[01] Karamanlis appeals for reopening of occupied schools
"The image of school sit-ins is not a picture of progress but reflects
deeply backward practices," Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis stressed
in Parliament in response to a question by a Radical Left Coalition
(SYRIZA) MP. Karamanlis appealed to every side involved -- political
parties, educators, parents and pupils -- to contribute to the easing
of tension and the opening of a dialogue aimed at upgrading education
and reaching solutions to timeless problems. SYRIZA deputy Fotis
Kouvelis underlined that the sit-ins are not instigated and are a form
of student protest in reaction to what he called major problems
plaguing the sector. "The right to knowledge should not be hampered by
anyone. Students should return to their classrooms. We are all
responsible toward them," the prime minister countered. "Images of
school doors chained and locked are neither progressive nor democratic,
they reveal practices that are opposed to knowledge and progress,
stressed Karamanlis, adding that these are practices adopted by the few
against the many and should not continue. "All political forces can
present their positions on the issue within the framework of the
constitutional revision process," Karamanlis said, adding that no one
can maintain that they have fulfilled their duty while evading a
decision on the education of the future. Caption: ANA-MPA file photo
of Premier Costas Karamanlis speaking in Parliament.
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