When Prokopis Pavlopoulos, as president of the Hellenic Republic, raised the issue of German reparations to his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the latter remained silent. He did not dare to say that the issue is considered “legally over”, as he mentioned before the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who had told him a little earlier that “the issue is important for the Greek people and remains pending”.
Germany appears unimaginably provocative, while it sowed destruction and is responsible for the brutal murders and dozens of Holocausts in the Greek Territory. Even its current political class has nothing to do with genuine remorse and that is why it behaves hypocritically, recognizing as its only debt the… moral support for Greece, without giving… a dime for the billions it grabbed, as well as the huge damage it caused to the country.
Greeceunfortunately, he has understood that the issue remains “pending” only in words and while there are political voices, who adopt the insidious doctrine of appeasement, of “changing the page with the Germans” and the time “to move forward, since eight decades have now passed , from the Occupation of 1940”!
Based on the above the presence, in Patras, of Kostas Karamanlis takes on additional interest at the presentation of the book “Yavol” by the well-known journalist Giorgos Harvalias. The former prime minister has prefaced the book, which demystifies the “good Greek-German relations” and brings to the fore the burning issue of reparations. The historical research reaches to the present day and constitutes a framework for the relentless methods of economic imposition of Germany in Greece and Europe.
The organizers of the presentation, due to the update of the issue of German reparations, decided to hold the event in a large venue and for this the Old Workhouse was finally chosen, on Friday 22/11/2024
According to “Peloponnisos” informationKostas Karamanlis, as a speaker, does not intend to use soft “diplomatic language”. On the contrary, it will strongly promote the fully justified legally Greek claim and will go a step further, proposing a substantial way to exercise our rights.
The arrival of Karamanlis in Patras has mobilized his friends, who are preparing for a massive turnout and a warm welcome at the venue, the Royal.
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#Karamanlis #Steinmeier #German #reparations #Patras
**Interview with Dr. Maria Papadopoulos, Historian and Expert on Greek-German Relations**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Papadopoulos. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve recently seen discussions around German reparations brought back into the spotlight, particularly during President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Greece. Could you give us some context on why this issue remains sensitive for many Greeks?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Thank you for having me. The issue of German reparations is deeply rooted in the historical trauma of World War II. During the German occupation, Greece suffered tremendous losses, not just in terms of human life but also economic devastation. Many Greeks feel that the current German administration fails to fully acknowledge this historical responsibility, leading to a sense of injustice that resonates to this day.
**Editor:** During the recent meeting, former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos raised the topic of reparations. However, Steinmeier appeared to avoid the question. What does this indicate about the current diplomatic relations between Greece and Germany?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Steinmeier’s silence can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it reflects Germany’s official stance that the reparations issue is legally settled. On the other, it may also point to a reluctance to revisit a painful chapter in history that could strain relations further. For many Greeks, this comes off as a lack of genuine remorse, which continues to fuel feelings of resentment.
**Editor:** Some political figures in Greece advocate for “moving on” from the past, suggesting that it’s time to look towards the future. How do you see this balance between reconciliation and addressing historical grievances?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** This is a delicate balance. While moving forward is essential for development and collaboration, it doesn’t mean we should forget the past. Genuine reconciliation includes acknowledging historical grievances and engaging in open dialogue. The calls to “change the page” may overlook the emotional and historical depth of the issue for many Greeks, particularly the descendants of those affected.
**Editor:** You mentioned the former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and the presentation of the book “Yavol,” which addresses these Greek-German relations more critically. How do you think such discussions contribute to public understanding of the reparations issue?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Initiatives like the book presentation are crucial. They help shed light on the nuanced and often suppressed narratives surrounding Greek-German relations. By encouraging historical research and public dialogue, we can foster a better understanding of the past and its implications for present-day politics. It’s important for Greeks to voice their concerns and articulate their views on reparations, not only for acknowledgment but also for potential restitution.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s clear that the conversation surrounding reparations is far from over, and understanding both sides is essential for moving forward.
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we keep this dialogue open and ongoing.
