The Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos, accompanied by the Chief of HNDGS General Michail Kostarakos, the Chief of HAGS Lieutenant General Vasileios Tellidis, the Chief of HAFGS Lieutenant General Christos Vaitsis visited and the MP of the “Independent Greeks” party for Kozani, Harris Katanas, attended the festival “Eleftheria 2015” in the city of Alexandroupoli.
The Minister of National Defence made the following statement:
“I would like to wish many happy returns, from the bottom of my heart. Today, here at the festival “Eleftheria”, at the presence of students and the Armed Forces, we send a message; that this land has shed a lot of blood, so as to regain its freedom and national sovereignty.
The Thrace – the Aegean – Cyprus axis is a priority for this Government. With the Military Leadership of the Armed Forces we look to bringing the Units of the borderline, and particularly Thrace, to 100% completeness. We are proud of our Armed Forces, we are proud of our soldiers who, along with the professionals, Officers and NCOs, but also the National Guard, maintain the morale at a high level and protect the country’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Anyone who might consider machinating against this land’s sovereignty should know that this land will not surrender either menaced by military means or by financial means.
The Greek people, united, will defend his rights, his national sovereignty and honour, for the Greek people with the Armed Forces will fight for the Faith and the Country.
I would like to congratulate the women and men of Thrace, the students, the Cultural Societies, but also the Armed Forces, for their participation in this glorious parade. Particularly, I would like to thank the citizens of Alexandroupoli who embraced today the Armed Forces and the students, and remind them that we are here for them.
As a Greek, as Minister of National Defence, but also bearing the honorary title of an MP for Thrace, for Evros, even if it is for a limited period, I feel proud.
Today, a very special exercise will take place. It is the first time such an exercise will take place, at a very advanced area, Psilos Stalos, at 21:00. It is a night, joint exercise in which both the Army and the Air Force participate.
Of course, all the citizens are invited to observe the exercise which proves the readiness, the high morale, the professionalism and the excellent training of our Armed Forces. The Media are also invited to the exercise”.
JOURNALIST: Are you optimistic as far as the negotiations are concerned?
P. KAMMENOS:Today is a landmark. What you should know is that we shall never surrender our national sovereignty and dignity at the negotiations. We will do all that is necessary so as to peacefully live with everyone, yet we shall not satisfy those who wish to see Greece knee-deep. In Greece we even worship God standing on our feet.
Thank you very much”.
