The Minister of National Defence Mr. Panos Panagiotopoulos, coming out of the Maximos Mansion, made the following statement:

«As you all know, the meeting of the Governmental Council on Foreign Policy and National Defence, presided by the Prime Minister Mr. Antonis Samaras, was just held and a decision was taken to make alterations at the leadership of the Armed Forces.

I will convey to you the new leadership structure, pointing out the changes that have been made:

General Michail Kostarakos, the current Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff shall remain at his post.

Lieutenant General Athanassios Tselios, who was the Commander of the D’ Army Corps which has within its AOR the borderline area based at Xanthi, Komotini and Evros, is appointed Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff.

Vice Admiral Vangelis Apostolakis, who was Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, is appointed Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff.

Lieutenant General (AF) Evangelos Tournas, who was Chief of the Hellenic Tactical Air Force Command, is appointed Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff.

It is understood that the Government feels the need to thank the Chiefs who are retiring and to underline their great offer to the Armed Forces and to the country.

I am referring to the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff to this day, Lieutenant General Konstantinos Gkinis, the Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff to this day, Vice Admiral Kosmas Christidis and the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff to this day, Lieutenant General (AF) Antonios Tsantirakis. Thank you very much.

Journalist: Did you discuss the frigates and the known issues concerning the cooperation with the French?

P. Panagiotopoulos: No, no. The theme of today’s meeting of the Governmental Council on Foreign Policy and National Defence was the changes in the Armed Forces, as it is customary at regular intervals, according to the law”.