"I dont plan on making a heroic exit"!

"Some people tried to convince others that there is something going on, but did not succeed", was the vice-president's statement in a conversation with the press after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Mr. Pagkalos pointed out that he bears no opposition to the government's opinions and he agrees with everything, underlining the fact that he is not planning on making "a heroic exit". He brought up certain opinions of his, which he states that he has been supporting for years, such as prep schools and the issue of voting by "crossing names", which is already under discussion during the revision of the new proposed law on voting.

He also reminded us that he was pulled away from government twice before (during the Simitis administration), once for the Otsalan issue and another time for the changes in the social security system.

Referring to his comments on public sector employees, as well as his speech at Oxford University, which was recorded, the vice-president stated that they were personal and not representative of the government or the party.

He added that he was not speaking of governmental or political work but was speaking for himself, when he mentioned things about the Hellenic Revolution of 1821.

On his definition of public sector employees as "mutts", he clarified that he was aiming at those who have been appointed to the public sector due to political favours and should have used different wording.

When asked about a possible meeting between himself and the Prime Minister, he mentioned that "it is uncertain that the Prime Minister wants to see me. I should know".

On his visit to Qatar, Mr. Pagkalos mentioned that he is meeting with the country's president and officials to negotiate the latter's interest in investing in Astakos.

He pointed out that the negotiations did not include the former Hellenic airport, and added that Qatar is interested in investing in tourist properties.