We shall next visit Araxos where I will also have the opportunity to be briefed and address our cadres there. What I would like to say is that during this particularly difficult circumstance, our national defence system is resistant and fully responds to its mission.

That ensues from the good work that has been done throughout the past years, but primarily and particularly from the fact that our military personnel in all branches, at all grades, is driven by a high feeling of public duty, national obligation and it stands out due to its spirit. It is this spirit that we will not allow to be broken, notwithstanding the current pressure. I was assured by everyone that they are ready to do their duty if needed, which they do anyway during peacetime.

Greek citizens can feel safe. Another Greece also exists, beyond what is written and heard presently; Greece of duty, obligation, honour and principles.”

JOURNALIST: Concerning the operation of a civil Airport; when you were Minister of Tourism, you had said that such a thing could happen. Today, as Minister of National Defence, what do you say?

D. AVRAMOPOULOS: It is known that I do not change my position every time I change office. I remember the visit I had paid back then as Minister for Touristic Development, when I discussed with all the local agents of the Prefecture of Elia.  What I must say once more is that this blessed land has huge unexploited development capabilities.

Tourism should be one of the peak policies for the future of this country. Of course, touristic development passes through infrastructure. Infrastructures are for example the good hospitals, however infrastructures are also the facilitations for ground and air transport. This airport which is one of the most modern, with great capabilities, can offer its services to civil aviation as well and, by it, to touristic development.

I am aware of the requests that have been submitted for long time now, as well as of the fact that back then, in the Ministry for Touristic Development, we had started preparing a study for the generalized exploitation of our infrastructure in the area.

I remain consistent to what I had said back then and I have given directives to design a complete study so as, apart from the fact that we currently go through fiscal pressures by other programmes, we will be able to ensure and create the prerequisites for the exploitation of this airport. Soon, I will be in position to make statements. Maybe now, more than ever, we are given the chance to fortify the infrastructure of Elia.

JOURNALIST: Before completing any infrastructure for this particular project, could some runway operate in the rough, for charter flights?

D. AVRAMOPOULOS: This does not only depend on what we know, but also on the requirements set by civil services, as well as by the airlines. Certain security clauses are required. Military airports differ to a great extent from civil ones and certain adjustments need to be done. The question is what we want to do. And the answer is clear. We want to combine the services offered by this airport for military purposes and, most importantly, to insert it to a programme for the support of infrastructure and for touristic development.

So, today, let’s hold this; there is an intention, there is a will, the decision will be taken. However, it should be done in a serious way, for many times in the past big words and promises have been heard and, finally, after many years the same things are still being heard. This time, something will be done and it will be done in the right direction.