It has been one of the most outrageous and persistent claims of the Karamanlis devotees: that the former PM was targeted by US intelligence services and was in danger to be assassinated. Now these claims leave the realm of conspiracy theorists and get a serious treatment from Russian media.
According to a documentary, broadcast on Russian television, as part of the news programme Vesti, Russian intelligence services had been aware of the plot, after intercepting a communication between CIA agents in 2009. They were discussing a plan to remove then Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis from office by any force necessary, including assassination. The plan would include no less than seven terrorist groups.
According to the documentary, Karamanlis became a target of the US because of his pro-Russia stance on foreign policy and economic collaboration.
The conservative PM was an advocate for strengthening the ties between Greece and Russia and his policy included the participation of Greece in the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline and the Southern Stream pipeline projects.