The Chairman of the EPP Group, Joseph Daul, strongly condemns the killing of Pavlos Fyssas, a 34 year-old man, who, according to news reports, was assassinated yesterday in Athens by members of the Golden Dawn party. “Fanatic acts and violence do not have any place in modern and democratic societies in any EU Member States. Any crime is abominable but a political one is unacceptable within the European Union. We strongly condemn any kind of violence. Those responsible for this murder must be brought to justice as soon as possible. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pavlos Fyssas.”

“The EPP family fully supports the Greek Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras, and his government, in all their efforts to lead the country out of the economic crisis and its social repercussions. We are convinced that he and his government are doing their utmost to prepare a smooth and successful Greek Presidency. We deplore the reactions of other political leaders who are using the death of a person as a tool for political campaigning against the government,” Joseph Daul stated.

For further information:

Joseph DAUL, Chairman of the EPP Group, tel.: +32-2-2845525

Delia Vlase, Chairman's spokeswoman, tel.: +32-476-331038

Note to Editors

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 275 Members from 27 Member States.