The following are excerpts from Deputy Foreign Minister Spyros Kouvelis’s interview on “Athens 9.84” radio, with journalist N. Karagianni:
[On the use of nuclear energy in Greece]
· “I remind you that on many occasions I myself and the Prime Minister have said that Greece is not open to debate on whether we should have nuclear facilities, even for national activities. One of the arguments was precisely this: That Greece is earthquake prone, which means, first, that there is always increased risk, increased concerns about safety, and, second, the cost of absolute safety [for nuclear plants] is prohibitive.”
[On the use of renewable energy sources]
· “As a country, we have alternatives. Greece is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of renewable energy sources: solar and wind energy, as well as geothermic energy, which is equally important.”
March 14, 2011