Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos made the following statement regarding reports of the execution of an American journalist by the ‘Islamic State’ terrorist organization:
“The reports arriving from Syria and Iraq regarding mass murders of civilians and the execution of another journalist give rise to outrage and profound concern for the fate of citizens, irrespective of their religion, who are trying to survive under the regime of terror that has been imposed in the region by the self-styled ‘Islamic State’.
The latest reports of executions of citizens, particularly members of minorities, and the execution of a hostage journalist constitute further appalling proof of the brutality that characterizes the actions of this terrorist group, reconfirming the dire need for the international community’s immediate action against every extremist, jihadist organization.
Greece will remain a firm supporter of the right of journalists to work under safe conditions, without threat to their lives or welfare.”
September 3, 2014