The Alternate Minister of National Defence Panagiotis Rigas, in an interview he gave on Friday, 19 October 2018, on ANT1 ‘Kalimera Ellada’ television programme and to the journalist Giorgos Papadakis, stated the following:
Regarding Nikos Kotzias’ resignation:
Nikos Kotzias made a great effort. We all acknowledge his effort for a solution to FYROM’s naming issue, but this is not only the case. He greatly contributed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with regard to foreign policy, he followed an active and multifaceted foreign policy, to preserve the peace, especially in a troubled area. It would be better if he had not resigned. There is no issue of disagreement regarding the Prespes Agreement, even more so that the Prime Minister assumed also the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This means that the foreign policy which is exercised during this time period and especially the Agreement with FYROM, will be continued.
The government is supported by three parties, so it is common sense that some issues are dealt with differently. Either way, the Macedonia issue was not included in the initial policy agreement with the INDEPENDENT GREEKS and Panos Kammenos. We proceed the same way and if someone has a different opinion, he can express it in the Parliament. What some people cannot comprehend is that the government endured almost four years and that the goal of exiting the austerity policy of MOUs and the fiscal surveillance has been achieved.
Already, for the first time after eight whole years, the Greek government presented a budget plan in the context of the proceeding of the E.U. semester, a fact that certifies the end of the memoranda period and the return to stability.
Mr Kotzias chose to resign. It would be better if he had not, but it was his decision. Do not try to find something that will create a problem, the elections will take place in October.
Regarding the confidential funds:
The confidential funds refer to national needs and goals. Through a law that the Greek government and SYRIZA passed, the Parliament knows exactly where, how, why and for what purpose the funds are distributed. Not only the Parliament, but the parties’ leaders are also aware of this. The President of the Parliament Mr. Voutsis explained the matter in detail yesterday.
Regarding the Prespes Agreement:
Upon completion of the neighbouring country’s commitments – this is the only chance they have, in no circumstance can the name ‘Macedonia’ stand by itself, and the Prime Minister also stated that – the Agreement will be presented to the Hellenic Parliament. There will be an extensive parliamentary majority, which will support the said agreement.
The government continues with the current coalition, in order to complete the initiatives undertaken until October 2019. For three and a half years the New Democracy party scaremongers and asks for elections, and all this time they loose this bet. They have lost everything and unfortunately the only thing they have is their requests to Mrs. Merkel.
