The Alternate Minister of National Defence Fotis Kouvelis, in the context of an interview on SKAI TV Station, on Friday, April 20, 2018, with the journalists Dimitris Economou and Maria Anastasopoulou, stated among other things the following:
Whether or not the elections in Turkey may become a catalyst of developments concerning the Greek – Turkish issues:
I believe that Turkey is going to continue this specific conduct in the Aegean Sea, because it is exactly this climate of tension that feeds and serves the shaping of a specific climate in the interior of Turkey, a fact that it also suits Erdogan.
On the question whether or not there is a possibility for a “heated” incident:
I do not perceive a “heated” incident in the sense of opting for one. However, I am aware of the developments and the example is characteristic. Because of the usual conduct of Turkey, I refer to the airspace violations and infringements, an interception, that unfortunately has become an everyday case, may probably become a “heated” incident by accident. I have used the term “undeclared war”, not to mark the significance of the facts using the elements of declared war but to refer to these circumstances. For many years now we have had aircraft accidents, so has had Turkey, with the cost of human lives, a matter painfully overriding. There is certainly a huge cost.
Interceptions take their toll. Warships as well as the coast guard ships need fuel. All these imply an increased cost.
On the question if a “heated” two-month period lies ahead of us, he replied:
It is not going to be a “heated” but a difficult, usual two-month period as the conditions are at present.
On whether or not the Turkish elections affect the case of the two Greek officers:
I am not able to precisely estimate the time of their release, when the two army members will be set free. I have to say that the pressure exercised on Turkey is very strong coming from many sides – since the actions of the government are directed to multiple levels, to many directions – but I believe that it is difficult to determine what is exactly going to happen amidst a pre-election period. I would like to explain, though, the reason I characterized as illegal the arrest and detainment of our two army members. They are detained without charges. I speak on the basis of the International and the European Law. It is not possible to detain someone without charges and, what is more, for such a prolonged detainment period of two months.
On the question if this is a detainment or a hostage situation aiming at an exchange, he replied:
The Hellenic Justice is independent. It has applied our National Law, the Eu-ropean Law and it has determined to provide political asylum to those who asked for it, there is no relation, therefore, between the two cases. In respect to the term hostage, if someone refers to a detainment in the sense that it is illegal, prolonged, that the detainment of our two officers is unacceptable, I realize this may be a hostage situation. If someone, though, gives the term hostage a specific content, related to the conditions of another situation, then the element of exchange is coming out. Therefore, when the Minister, Mr. Kammenos, spoke of illegal detainment using the term hostage he just wanted to specify this unacceptable situation.
On the journalist’s comment that he had “blamed the Minister of National Defence for “immoderate” wording” he replied:
I had neither put the blame on anyone nor changed the way I face all this situation, which is certainly related to the escalated tension on the Turkish side. It is surely related to the continued infringements and violations. It is certainly related to Erdogan’s unacceptable rhetoric, as well as that of Turkey and it is of course related to the two detained officers. I simply used a phrase before, mentioning the circumstances in respect to the undeclared war. I am going to give an answer to another lingering matter, since there is not any disagreement problem with Mr. Kammenos. We cooperate very well, each one having his own responsibilities. According to the institutions each Alternate Minister is accountable to the Prime Minister on the basis of his specific assignments, which are specified in the Governmental Gazette Sheet, unless some wish to forget it in order to point at non-existing issues.
On the question “how two politicians cohabit in the same Ministry having completely different mentalities, completely different ways of thinking, completely different characters” he replied:
The necessity to cooperate is the sequence of another great necessity, that of the best outcome. The best outcome is what governs the work of the Ministry of National Defence, and especially during specific conditions. It is exactly this best outcome that is the feedback of our excellent cooperation. Mr. Kammenos’ political word may be different from mine. This is far, though, from taking and cutting some phrases to indicate disagreement. Neither Mr. Kammenos has relinquished his political and ideological identity to me, nor I relinquished mine to him. We have a cooperation. Apart from that, I always serve the need to cooperate. Cooperation is the element, the foundation, the basis on which a Minister and an Alternate Minister work together. We both serve this cooperation.
On the question if “Mr. Kammenos has said something recently that he should’t have” he replied:
He has not said anything that is far from the reality.
On the question if “the articles concerning the procurement of two frigates from France are true” he replied:
They are true. Let me remind you that the Prime Minister, Mr. Tsipras had discussions with the French President Mr. Macron in the recent past and there was an understanding for the procurement of two frigates by Greece.
On the question “about the next step”
The next step is under discussion. If there is one, and in my opinion there has to be one, this will be the procurement of two more frigates of the same type, fully equipped. The leasing for the two frigates is not a decision reached yesterday. A complete course of actions has preceded this.
In the process of the interview on the occasion of another question he mentioned:
There is another stage that is under examination on the procurement of two more frigates. Probably not through leasing. I can not run ahead, though, I can not be accurate, as there are discussions in progress.
On the stance of France:
France, as its views are expressed through President Macron, shows that it wishes Europe to follow another direction. Apart from France there are other forces too, which should contribute to forming a more social Europe, a Europe of common external policy and common civil defence.
On the question if there is a need to reinforce the Armed Forces with new armaments:
Greece can not enter a race for armaments. What Greece has to do is to constantly serve a procedure reinforcing its deterrence capability. It has been a long time, since 2004, that the issue – for example – of the upgrading of some aircraft is pending. Does this have to be done? In my opinion, yes. This does not mean that we participate in a competitive race for armaments.
On the possibility to summon a National Security Council:
In principle, there is a positive response on behalf of the Prime Minister but this is an issue that has to be discussed. He is positive about summoning one, but under conditions which have to be secured.
On the incident of raising Greek flags on the rocky islets near Fourni islands:
I can understand, explain and even justify a patriotic feeling that anyone can feel, let alone three young people. At the same time, though, I say that since these issues consist external policy, the government is responsible for exercising it.
On the question “of the risk” of this action he replied:
It could create problems. I would like, though, to be absolutely specific and clear. We did not find out, following systematic research, that any Turkish boat sailed to the area. I would like to mention that we posses many and very effective radars. Whatever was heard about retreating the flag, is merely part of communicative tricks of the Turkish government. Someone could ask: “what if there is a video”? I am going to answer by saying that it would be fake, since the Navy, the Coast Guard and other forces have conducted very systematic checks.
