Statement purportedly from escaped Greek terrorist appears on Internet

ATHENS, Greece – A Greek man serving six life sentences for participating in a left-wing terrorist organization, and who vanished during a weeklong furlough from prison earlier this month, has purportedly posted a statement on an Internet site vowing a return to armed action.

Christodoulos Xiros prompted a nationwide manhunt after absconding during a furlough after New Year's. He was convicted in 2003, along with two of his brothers, of belonging to the November 17 group and had served 10 years for involvement in a series of shootings and bombings.

An Internet statement posted Monday and purportedly written by him on Jan. 14 rails against the Greek financial crisis. The posting includes an apparently recent photo and a video of Xiros making the statement.