The Alternate Minister of National Defence, Dimitris Vitsas, in an interview for “CHANNEL 1” Piraeus Municipal Radio Station to journalist Nikos Bardounias today this Thursday 24th November 2016 stated among other things:

Regarding the debate around the issue of conscription at the age of 18:

Ideas, thoughts are one thing and the debate around such an issue is another. It has not been discussed. The Armed Forces follow the procedure of the early enlistment – fact that the political world ignores – in other words, someone may enlist voluntarily before the intended period. During the visit of the Opposition Leader at the Ministry of National Defence, many important things have been said and comprehensive information was provided. I cannot understand the reason why this issue, the issue of military service, was brought into the open in such a manifest way. There was a clear picture of the possibilities and he understood well that the Armed Forces of the Country are in a very good condition, with very high spirits, ready to carry out their task.

Regarding the Turkey’s stance:

When the leader of a country, which is a member of the same alliance as we are, but there are many problems, such as airspace violations, talks about international conventions in a way that calls them into question, the only sensible thing is to worry about. On the other side, it is quite reasonable, from a practical and a political point of view, to remain vigilant. Certainly, these issues should be settled via diplomatic channels. Our stance is firm, same as the stance of all other countries, apart from one, that the international conventions are applicable and respected and based on them, we are able to move forward. Any dispute for whatever reason raises questions. I do understand, but not justify, the fact that Turkey is at a difficult time. Many issues are open, such as the question of the Kurds, the Cypriot question, its domestic problem and by trying to export such problems or negotiate with superpowers on them will not do good for it in my opinion.   

Regarding the Cypriot question:

Greece’s stance is to solve the Cypriot question based on the resolutions adopted by the UN. Cyprus should be a single independent country, bizonal. The problem with the settlement of the Cypriot question at this moment is Turkey. In the frame of the said procedure, two issues should be settled: on one thing, there cannot be occupying forces and on the other thing, an EU member state may not be under guarantee, that is guarantor powers.

Regarding the negotiations about labour issues:

At this moment, there are two facts: the first one consists in the European acquis that involves labour issues. Greece is close to the average; it is not a country with the best legal framework. The second fact consists that we have the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is on our side in this reasoning. The third issue regards the fact that in a country, where unemployment is over 20%, we discuss about collective redundancies. It is a little bit weird to discuss about the right of collective redundancies, while the issue involves jobs. In this framework, all social partners should have the same stance and this had been achieved. The only entity that breaks the stance, following the meeting, is the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) and the only person that supports this reasoning is Mr. Mitsotakis. We should insist and get to this position that the government proposes, which of course is not the one that provides the utter freedom of association.

Regarding Erdoğan’s and Rama’s statements:

The answer given by the prime minister was the appropriate one. It is also decisive. There is no point in playing a “game” about who will make a lot of loud statements. We claim that the Treaty of Lausanne is the one that applies and we comply with its terms, same as the entire Europe. When Turkey faces problems with its accession process, we believe Turkey should be assisted, on the condition however that it has fulfilled its duties towards Europe.

We believe there is no Cham issue. No matter what the Albanian prime minister says, he should work on it on his own. Albania has open issues and is in a path towards accession. It should not think about other things. It is not a football game, where some hooligans raise and bring down flags and banners. These are various serious matters that also involve the life of people in Albania. Our Albanian friends and neighbors should also be aware of what is happening in their neighboring country, Skopje, and their intentions to join the EU.