The Alternate Minister of National Defence Dimitris Vitsas on an interview today Tuesday 11 April 2017 to journalists Giannis Darras and Giorgos Darakis stated the following :

On the Syria US attacks and Europe’s reaction:

The word used was “understandable”. Greece has done a lot and will continue doing so in the name of peace and stability of the region and this is its main role. We must all work for a political solution in Syria, to have peace in the region and in this sense shape stability.

On the developments in Turkey and the situation in the Aegean:

I want to send a message: The Greek people, Greek men and women must go on with their preparations to celebrate Easter on the islands and the rest of Greece. They should be devoted on their peaceful deeds, we should continue our international peaceful alliances, as well as our international peaceful “conflicts” . That said, our Armed Forces are capable to inspire a feeling of security to everybody. Also, when your neighbouring country has so many problems in its interior and an aggressive rhetoric, as is the case of Turkey, one should always be alert and vigilant. My estimation is that nothing will happen because of the referendum and its result will affect a series of issues in the interior of the country . I hope that this result will not affect the surrounding countries and the refugee issue.

On the issue of the armaments:

The MoD is completing, in a team spirit, its programming at maintenance, upgrade and targeted purchases levels, based on the fiscal contexts and the real needs. The story of corruption is long over. Everything is under investigation. The corruption developed in Greece in the past led the country to debt. Combating corruption is a moral, political issue and a matter of growth.

On the refugee issue:

We are at a point when the management of the refugee issue is changing. The EU-Turkey agreement with all its difficulties is bearing fruit. Right now Greece is hosting 60.000 people. We are hosting people in houses, we have launched a training programme and we are changing the boarding manner to avoid catering companies. The relocations are effectively moving on and the islands are being decongested. As far as new migrant flows are concerned I believe that only tragic developments, which I don’t see happening,  may change the whole situation.