period 2010 – 2015 by the International Statistical Institute.
The Institute emphasises that on the basis of scientific assessments, those figures for the Greek budget deficit and the Greek debt was consistent both with international and european standards and was of good quality and, as mentioned, have been fully validated by Eurostat in November 2010 and for 12 consecutive evaluations, in accordance with the skai.gr.
At the same time, he continues, “have been used repeatedly by the Greek authorities as a basis for the negotiations which led to the granting of substantial loans provided to Greece”. “Therefore, the allegations of a conspiracy seem ridiculous to the international observers,” he adds.
The Institute also notes that the only reliable statistics can be a basis for good decisions and to help Greece in the long term, as well as stresses, will provide the best measurements for the situation of the Greek economy and will lead to greater confidence in markets, thereby reducing the cost of borrowing in the country.
Even, expresses the “deep concern” about the persecution of Andreas Georgiou, Immortality Xenakis and Kostas ΜελφÎτα, strains of ELSTAT, “they did their job with professionalism, integrity and compliance with international standards, independent of political pressures,” and argues that this, not only should not be the subject of a criminal prosecution, but should be commended.
In conclusion the Institute urges the Greek authorities to put the file on the case, to support and maintain the quality of Greek statistics and the independence of the Hellenic Statistical System, to adopt and to maintain the fundamental principles of official statistics of the UN, and to protect those who support these principles and professional ethics.
International Statistical Institute a case of ELSTAT: “Ridiculous” the claims of conspiracy
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