The negotiation has been “frozen”. In what case would the government accept to vote any preventive measures?

The negotiation has not been “frozen”. The negotiation is still underway and the government has responded to the obligations it had assumed towards the European institutions. Preventive measures are not expected to be voted either in the European legislation or in the domestic legislation.

Where do you draw your red line: On the reduction of the amount of tax exempt income, on the reduction of the “personal difference”, on particular pay-scales or in other sectors?

This red line has been set as a national line. The Independent Greeks believe that, as far as taxation is concerned, there should be a new planning. Reduction of tax exempt income without any further measures, namely reduction of VAT, reduction of the tax on property or reduction of tax on enterprises which can increase growth, cannot be done. As far as particular salary scales, such as the one of the Armed Forces and the Security Services are concerned, no changes can be accepted. The Armed Forces and the Security Corps have undergone huge cuts. This is a prerequisite for the cooperation and the Prime Minister has fully adopted this view.

Why do you think that Wolfgang Schauble brings up the issue of Grexit again?

As it was proved by the letter of the Deputy Chancellor Mr. Gabriel, Schauble is a problem not only for Greece, but for Germany and the European Union as well. After his decision not to be a candidate for the Presidency of Germany or for the office of Chancellor, I realize that he tries to create issues in order to keep attracting public attention. However, this might create problems to Greece, Europe and other peoples as well.

If creditors insist on their pretentions, what would you suggest Alexis Tsipras does: a compromise or a breach of relations and elections?

Creditors should realize that Greece has been and still is consistent with its commitments. It is time they were also consistent with their promises and with what they have agreed upon.

Donald Trump is moving towards a breach of relations with the European Union. Do you believe that the European Union faces a risk of dissolution?

Donald trump is moving towards a breach with the policy of “Germanisation” of the European Union and abolition of nation – states. He is moving to the direction of preservation of national identity and to a different direction from the attitude of globalization. Europe is Europe of nation-states, as it was envisioned by its founders. It is not Europe of abolition of national identities, flags and nation-states. Europe of nation-states will remain alive. Europe of the abolition of national identities has already been dissolved.

Do you think that Germany uses euro to consolidate its dominance over Europe?

Euro is a common currency. Unfortunately, the German Minister of Finance, through the policy he follows, is trying to use euro in order to predominate Europe.

Should our country have a plan B for the probability of a return to drachma or a breach of the eurozone?

Greece is in euro after the Greek people paid a very heavy price. There is no probability of returning to drachma. Eurozone will not be destroyed unless Germany adopts Mr. Schauble’s policy instead of the principle of a common European policy and the preservation of equality among Eurozone members. If Germany decides to follow a policy of supremacy, it will lead to the split of Eurozone.

What is Turkey trying to achieve Mr. Minister? Is the aggressive visit of the Turkish military leadership to Imia islets, in your opinion, a warning of an incident? Do you worry about an incident?

The visit of the Turkish military leadership to Imia islets, in the presence of journalists, is an aggressive action which, probably, is addressed to Turkey’s domestic affairs. One should realize that, at this moment, more than 50% of the personnel of Turkish Armed Forces, Turkish diplomacy and universities, as well as of the deep state are being accused of participating in a coup. I regret this effort to create a tense situation. I realize their difficult position in view of the creation of the state of Kurdistan.

What would you have to answer to the statements of the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister of Turkey?

I disdain answering such statements.

Are there “grey zones” in the Aegean Sea?

There are no “grey zones” in the Aegean Sea, nor are there any flags carried away by the wind. Recently, Mr. Pagkalos who handed over Ocalan to Turks, stated that he accedes to New Democracy. So, the only “grey zone” that exists is in our domestic policy, when one sees New Democracy, a historic party, to admit also Theodoros Pagkalos after Giorgos Papandreou and Venizelos.

Would an increase of defence expenses be necessary? Because the balance over the Aegean Sea seems to change…

An extension of defence agreements, in particular with the United States of America is necessary, which will ensure the enhancement of our country’s defence armaments. A reorganization of the Armed Forces, which has already begun is necessary. Yet, the biggest armament programme of the Hellenic Armed Forces is their personnel; it is the women and men of the Armed Forces; Officers, NCOs, conscripts and national guards; the vigilant guards of the Aegean Sea, Evros prefecture, our national sovereignty who have a high morale and readiness.

Balance over the Aegean Sea should not be disturbed to everyone’s benefit, and in particular to the benefit of the West. Friends and allies, and particularly the United States of America should realize – and they have realized it under Trump administration – that Greece is a centre of stability and balance in the wider area against a dangerously expanding Islamic fundamentalism.

Are the Armed Forces ready to respond to any challenge?

Absolutely.

Do you consider that Trump’s Presidency in the United States of America is a positive development for Greece’s geopolitical interests in its region?

I consider that Trump’s Presidency is not simply a positive, but rather a determining development for Greece’s geopolitical interests in the region. If one sees the public statements made by the President, his Staff and those who take now high offices in Washington DC, he will realize that Greece’s geopolitical significance is the key to stability in the wider area.

Do you worry that Turkey might open the way to refugee waves in retaliation for the eight Turkish officers not being extradited? How should the government react in this case?

Turkey should realize that the judiciary power is separate from the executive power in Greece. Turkey should realize that a Prime Minister can by no means order judges to reach verdicts according to his political will. Turkey should take into consideration that there are also countries, such as Germany (where 40 military officers are) and Belgium (where more than 400 military officers are), as well as other countries, which protect human rights and do not extradite Turkish officers based on decisions of the Independent Authorities of Justice in these countries.

Many people believe that the punishment of the soldiers who posted photos of themselves gesturing an Albanian symbol were small. What should have been done?

The disciplinary penalties imposed were the severest possible disciplinary penalties. Fifty days of detention which the Chief of HAGS is authorised to impose plus ten days which the Minister is authorised to impose. From there on, Justice has taken on the case. We exhausted the authorization we are granted by the legislation.