Greek official responds to ethics claims

ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- One of the two Greek officials accused of acting unethically has answered those allegations, saying his actions were all legal and ethical.

Merchant Marine Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis said in a series of media appearances that despite allegations by Parliament Member Petros Tatoulis, all of his past actions have been of a legal nature, Kathimerini said Friday.

"Whatever is legal is ethical as well," Voulgarakis said.

Tatoulis' recent political charges focused on the Merchant Marine official and State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos, accusing both of various unethical practices.

Tatoulis identified Voulgarakis' involvement with at least two real estate firms during his political tenure as a possible point for unethical actions, Kathimerini reported.

The Greek newspaper said Tatoulis had targeted Roussopoulos for his wife's job as a TV and radio presenter, a conflict that allegedly could cause unethical decisions by the government spokesman.