The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias made an informational visit to the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands at the “Saketta Camp”.

Mr. Dendias was presented a detailed briefing by the Commander of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, Lieutenant General Ioannis Iliopoulos and the Chief of Staff, Brigadier Gheorghios Vynios.

The Minister of National Defence was accompanied by the Chief of HNDGS General Michail Kostarakos and the Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Christos Manolas.

After the briefing and teleconference Mr. Dendias had with the commanders of Formations, Units and Inspection Guards subordinate to the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, he referred the following:

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to warmly thank you for the briefing. It is a great pleasure for me to discuss with you.  

I would also like to say to you what you probably already know, that you are a constant for Greek society, a pillar, just like the symbol of the Higher Military Command of Interior and Islands, which is two lions on either sides of a pillar. You are a column, a pillar of stability, but also of pride.

One great responsibility we have – and allow me to use plural here and consider myself, after this great honour I was given as member of the Armed Forces’ family – is to not disappoint a society that has suffered significant strikes to its pride.

I would like to tell you, given this opportunity, that I truly appreciate the attitude shown by the Armed Forces.

I am aware of the cuts you have experienced.

I hope that the country will come around, so as to reciprocate what you have done for her. I am very pleased for the fact that I come at a period when this course is reversed and I would like you to know that I am at your disposal for both the big and small problems you are facing in your routine; so as to help make your life better, so that you can do in the best possible way what your country expects you to do.

Thank you very much”.