Brief intervention during the debate of the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament on “the petition on the train accident in Tempi, in the presence of Ms. Karystianou and Mr. Aslanidis, which remains open given the ongoing proceedings before the Greek Justice”, was made by MEP of ND and EPP, Stelios Kymbouropoulos, as stated in the relevant announcement.

“I stand with unlimited respect for your pain and that of all the families of the victims but also those who survived and carry many physical and mental wounds,” he said at the beginning of his intervention, adding that “no one can deprive you of the right to seek the truth , but also to express your pain and suffering as you feel it”.

According to the announcement, he noted that “it is obviously the case with Justice. Greece is a favored state” and continued: “I have confidence in Greek justice and the judiciary. And I believe that he will rise to the occasion given the importance and tragedy of the case”.

He also emphasized that “light must be shed on the case and the guilty must be punished, but also everything possible should be done to facilitate the search for the truth and the delivery of justice”, noting that “the appointment of a new expert is to the right direction”.

“Such a case concerns us all and should not have a party sign, as this does not contribute to the direction of assigning responsibilities”, he said and closed his intervention by noting the following: “We await the verdict of the Justice. To shed light on the case. But also to be a springboard, so that we can ensure safe railways in Greece”.

The following is the text of the intervention:

“We thank Mrs. Karystianou and Mr. Aslanidis for their report and presence here. By way of preface, I stand with unlimited respect towards your pain and that of all the families of the victims. But also those who survived and carry many physical and mental wounds. No one can deprive you of the right to seek the truth and to express your pain and suffering as you feel it. From now on, the floor is, obviously, Justice. Greece is a favored state. I have confidence in Greek justice and the judiciary. And I believe that he will rise to the occasion given the importance and tragedy of the case. We want to shed light on the case and punish those guilty of responsibilities and omissions, wherever they may be. And everything possible must be done to facilitate the search for the truth and the administration of justice. Recently, the Court appointed a new expert. This is in the right direction. On the other hand, such a case concerns us all and should not have a party sign, as this does not contribute to the direction of assigning responsibilities. In any case, therefore, we await the verdict of the Court. To shed light on the case. But also to be a springboard to ensure safe railways in Greece. Thank you again for being here today.”