Washington: Washington voiced concern Monday over a new Greek law that could lead to the early release of a man convicted of being a bombmaker for an anarchists` group accused of killing Americans.
Before its breakup in 2002, November 17 was one of Greece`s most violent far-left organizations, claiming responsibility for 23 assassinations during its 27-year span, including the 1975 killing of the CIA`s Athens station chief, Richard Welch.
"We`re very concerned that those who have committed acts of terrorism, who have been incarcerated, need to remain incarcerated," US Secretary of State John Kerry said as he met with his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias at the State Department.
"We hope that we can work through all of our policy issues, because the relationship between us is so important."
Under pressure from anarchists, Greece`s new far-left government was due to vote Monday on the legislation that would repeal anti-terror laws and allow disabled prisoners to serve their terms under house arrest.
The bill could see the release of Savvas Xiros, a bombmaker and member of the November 17 revolutionary group who is said to be in poor health.
The anarchists have also demanded the closure of controversial C-type jails, where the country`s most notorious criminals and terrorists are held.
"If Savvas Xiros, or anyone else with the blood of American diplomats and US mission members on their hands, leaves prison, it will be seen as a profoundly unfriendly act," said US Ambassador to Greece David Pearce.
"I want to be clear. The issue is not prison reform, or alleviating overcrowding, or providing access to medical care or improving humanitarian conditions. All of which are important," he said in a statement.
"The issue is that convicted terrorists and murderers -- people who have committed terrible, heinous crimes -- should serve their full sentences in prison. Not in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by their friends, families and associates."
If Athens releases Xiros and others from prison, it "dishonors the memory of those they have killed, and violates the rights of the family members whose lives they have shattered."
But Greek Foreign Minister Kotzias said at the start of his talks with Kerry that he was visiting the United States as "a friend" working together with the US "for democracy and peace, against terrorism."
"I hope that our relations will be deepened," he said, adding that the new law "would not let any terrorists become free."
