Composer Mikis Theodorakis (c) was honored during celebrations held over the weekend in Crete, his birthplace, to mark his 80th birthday. Today, the University of Crete is expected to honor the composer by awarding him an honorary doctorate.

One of Greece’s legendary left-wing political figures, composer Mikis Theodorakis, said yesterday he was concerned about the spread of international terrorism, blaming stronger countries for choosing violent instead of economic or social means to deal with the problem.

“With great concern we see that instead of humanity taking steps toward peace and correcting the mistakes made by the rich... we are moving toward more violence,” said Theodorakis, a vocal opponent of terrorism.

The composer was speaking in Crete as part of an international conference organized by the prefecture of Hania. On Friday, his hometown of Galatas, close to Hania, gave him an award for his contribution to music. Festivities including dancing and the reciting of Cretan couplets were also held to honor his 80th birthday.

Theodorakis, a steadfast supporter of Greek-Turkish rapprochement, called on Greece to continue efforts for a closer relationship with Turkey and to cut its expensive arms spending.