Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos made the following statement regarding the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) issue:
“We all know that the public sector is ailing. In fact, it is the main factor that contributed to the economic crisis. Drastic changes are required to put it order and make it healthy. ERT cannot be exempted from this decision. On its own, and not by the fault only of its personnel, is has all the characteristics of an obsolete operating and management model.
In no way does this mean that public television is finished. The opposite is the case. Remedying it will make it more efficient and competitive. Closer to the citizen, with an even more independent voice and role.
The government took initiatives In this direction, and just yesterday the Prime Minister took a courageous and important step for a meeting with the other political leaders, from whom a similarly responsible stance is expected.
We all have a duty to avoid asymmetrical damage that will harm the collective effort everyone is making to bring Greece out of the crisis, to safeguard the positive results that the collaboration between the three parties has brought, and not let the sacrifices of the Greek people go to waste.
What is most important right now is unity, prudence and clear-sightedness.”
June 15, 2013