PM Samaras receives family of three fallen Navy officers

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Friday received at government headquarters the relatives of three Greek Navy officers who died during the Greek islet of Imia events involving heightened tension between Greece and Turkey.
"We did the obvious," Samaras said, "we are honoring the memory of three young men who fell doing their duty for Greece 18 years ago, for the sovereignty and honour of our homeland. This is a duty of honour by the state and a spiritual duty for all of us."
Ioannis Karathanassis, son of killed captain Christodoulos Karathanassis, said that "those three individuals gave their lives for some ideals I am sure you share, and I believe that through your commitment to them you will help Greek citizens and give a push to my and following generations."
He also said Samaras was the first prime minister to pay attention to the issue.
Nikos, brother of co-captain Panagiotis Vlachakos, said it was a moment of honour for all families. "The sacrifice of the three officers is a resistance to anyone plotting against Greece," he said.