The Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos received the Minister of Migration and Asylum Mr. Notis Mitarakis, on Tuesday 4 January 2022, on the occasion of the termination, on 31 December 2021, of the Armed Forces’ engagement in the management of accommodation centres for asylum seekers and of the coming out of force of the special provisions on the management of crisis management.

The special event that took place in “Ioannis Kapodistrias” Meeting Hall in the Ministry of National Defence was also attended by the Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikolaos Chardalias and the General Secretary of Migration Policy Mr. Patroklos Georgiadis; the Chief/HNDGS was represented by the Chief/HAGS Lieutenant General Charalambos Lalousis. The Chief/HNGS Vice Admiral Stylianos Petrakis HN, the Deputy Chief/HAFGS Major General Petros Chatziris and the Chief of Staff/HNDGS Lieutenant General (AF) Georgios Fasoulas also attended the event.

During his intervention, the Minister of National Defence pointed out the following:

“Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with great joy that we welcome today, in the Ministry of National Defence, the good friend and outstanding colleague Mr. Notis Mitarakis, Minister of Migration, in order to mark a special turning point in the management of the Migration issue in our Country. So, officially today and by virtue of the Law passed by the Hellenic State, on 31 December 2021, the Armed Forces were disengaged from the management of issues resulting from refugees and migratory flows.

As you know, the Armed Forces were responsible by virtue of the law, among other things, for the rations of the refugees and migrants in the established facilities, the establishment and construction of facilities (Reception and Identification Centres, Refugees and Migrants reception facilities, etc.), the medical treatment, the materials and consumables transport to these facilities. To a large extent, they carried out the duty of dealing with everyday aspects of the migratory issue.

The Government decided – and the Minister implemented it – that despite the conscientiousness they showed – as is always the case by the Armed Forces – in the management of this issue, their main mission is different. At all events, they executed their main mission, as they continue to do so, which is the defence of the territorial integrity, of the independence and the sovereign rights of the Country; this is the mission of the Armed Forces. So, due to the careful planning and the implementation by the Minister – because planning is not enough, one should implement as well, at least this is what we believe in the Government – the necessary circumstances have been created for the presence of the Armed Forces not to be necessary in the daily management of the Migratory issue.

This is the reason we are here today, in order to mark with our presence, the change of policy, the change in the way of managing the issue. The Armed Forces undoubtedly responded in absolute success, contributing to the State, regarding the management of a complicated issue, which included some delicate aspects, if I may say so. I believe they reached a satisfactory level of success, but, from then on, we also believe, and this is a common point of view, it is wise to focus on their main mission, as I mentioned before.

I would like to thank, on behalf of the Political Leadership of the Ministry, all those who contributed – and they are too many – in the management of this complex issue. I also wish that there will be no need for the Armed Forces to be engaged again. However, we all know that if such a need arises, the Armed Forces will be present once again, as they are everywhere needed. Given the fact though, that at this moment there is a plan in the process of execution and implementation, thanks to the care of the Political Leadership of the Ministry of Migration, we can say now that the Armed Forces are no longer involved in the management conditions and requirements of this issue. Given that this is covered by the Ministry’s care and actions.

Thank you”.

The Minister of Migration and Asylum Mr. Notis Mitarakis pointed out:

“Today’s event marks the Armed Forces’ disengagement from the management of accommodation centres for asylum seekers and from the management of the daily issues of the migratory crisis.

The Government regained control of the Migratory issue, fulfilling its commitments towards the Greek people. We reduced the flows this year to the lowest level over the last decade. The flows were reduced by 99% this year, compared to 2015.

As a result, we reduced the accommodation facilities, which two years ago were operational in our country, to 34 from 121, and we totally regained their operational control, by appointing a commander of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum in every structure. In essence, we relieved the islands, as well as continental Greece, from the consequences of previous years’ flows.

Allowing after all the annulment of the special provisions enacted by the SYRIZA-ANEL Government regarding the management of the Migratory issue.

The completion of the National Reception System remains critical for the reinforcement of our country, providing, on one hand, the proper living conditions for a short stay in remote regions of the country, and on the other hand, a strong sense of security for the residents, the personnel and the local communities.

Of course, we acknowledge that the Migratory issue remains a challenge. A challenge that requires strict implementation of the National Strategy approved by the Ministerial Board, vigilance and hard work for all those involved.

We all remember Evros crisis and the determination that our Country displayed. A similar instrumentalization of human suffering might be possible in the future, in Evros and our islands. But it will find us ready, as this was the case in 2020.

I would like to express my most sincere thanks to you personally, Minister, to the Ministry of National Defence, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, to all men and women of the Armed Forces, for their essential contribution over the past seven years, dealing with the Migratory Crisis”.

Following the appreciation of the Minister of Migration and Asylum regarding the contribution and cooperation between the two Ministries for the management of the Migratory issue, Mr. Panagiotopoulos made the following address:

“I accept your good words and thanks, not personally, but on behalf of the team. Because there is a team here at the Ministry. There is the Political and Military Leadership, the Staffs as well, and, of course, the very foundation in the pyramid of the Armed Forces, since low rank Members executed their mission as well. We continue to focus on our duty, a part of which is the defence of the borders as well.

As you understand, this can mark something very specific, what we do here today, but the Armed Forces remain ready and of course, this implies that they keep on focusing on the duty of the borders’ defence, with any consequence it might have on dealing with migratory and refugee flows.

Thank you once again”.