The Alternate Minister of National Defence Dimitris Vitsas in an interview on Monday, 1 August 2016, on ERT Programme “Proini Zoni” stated the following to journalists Andriana Magania and Giannis Daras:
On the second evaluation and generally speaking the political developments and the relations of the parties:
The second evaluation will be even swifter than the first one and the government has already stressed what its red lines are. As a matter of fact Mr Katrougalos, the most competent Minister, as well as Mr Tsakalotos, who are mainly in charge of the negotiations, have talked about their objectives there, and we are not going to back up. This is very important also in relation with the manner we understand the reality and the way economy flows.
The main issue is to avert from playing a game among the political forces, and to remain steadily focused on everyday reality, this is the most important thing. To the extent where other political forces agree to this direction, this is an issue which needs to be evaluated and raised. There are no covert talks pertaining to the matter.
We are focusing on this, as well as on the matter of stabilising the economy, giving priority to the stabilisation of the banking system and on changes that can actually take place, some days now the capital controls regime has changed. For economy itself this is a very positive fact, as well as the fact that an investment climate is now evident at three levels: one concerns public investments, the second concerns investments coming from abroad, a special interest has been demonstrated from countries abroad and in the same lines many difficulties of the past have been overcome, and the third concerns capabilities of internal investments, especially of social economy. Usually we are not briefed about these by the media.
In any case, some things are partially successful. Surely, we have no reason to be celebrating, but with the systems presented by the previous governments (ERGANI), there is a slight reduction (2%) of unemployment, a 4-5 billion Euro debt reduction, and, the main issue as far as the second evaluation is concerned, is that the debt matter remains open. The ground has been prepared as far as this matter of utter importance is concerned.
Everything is a matter of correlation. We have one objective in relation with the debt. This moment correlations in Europe, as well as recent developments, facilitate the fact that we can negotiate with different techniques and manners the debt issue. That is, if we achieve to pay not more than 15% annually of interest and instalments, in relation to the debt, that would be a relief. If we achieve – and we are working towards this direction – to have a reduced primary surplus, then there will be reserves in combination with the rest, the restart of the economy and productive reconstruction, re-investment reserves and shaping the principles of a welfare state which will take us one step further.
On matters pertaining to the Ministry of National Defence:
The issue of productive reconstruction concerns the defence industry, while the issue of specific payrolls of military personnel is connected with the financial capability. It is a fact that, at this given moment there will be no reduction whatsoever in the wages of the personnel of the Armed Forces. The Specific payrolls will be submitted in September. Other than that there is an ongoing wider discussion which does not pertain to wages reduction.
On the developments in Turkey in relation with the 8 Turkish military in Greece.
If they reinstate the death penalty, against which all civilised people should be by principle, simultaneously the EU accession procedure of Turkey will come to a halt. The situation in Turkey is volatile and this is proved by the fact that the country has been declared in a state of emergency. I am not the one to show the way, but it is my belief that such situations are dealt with more democracy.
As far as the 8 Turkish military are concerned, this only thing that should apply is the part of international law concerning political asylum. They have applied for it, it will be evaluated at first degree, if necessary at second degree as well, and if required by an administrative court. Respectively there is Turkey’s request to extradite them. If the asylum decision is negative, this issue will be examined. If the court decision for granting political asylum, based on Greek and international law is positive, this means that the issue will not be examined.
As far as our relations with Turkey are concerned, alas if they depend only on those things, it would be as if the relations between Greece and Germany depended on the fact that Germany does not extradite Mr Christoforakos. These issues affect the relations; however, they do not determine them.
On refugee flows:
The Turkish coastguard is responsible for safeguarding the coastal borders of Turkey. This is a national obligation and not an international one. As far as refugee flows are concerned, some days they are increased, that is they have reached 100, while some other days, like 2 days ago, they are reduced to only 6. The main problem is that right this moment, those firstly granted political asylum, we will be able to transfer them, from the islands to continental Greece, aiming to relieve the islands.
Keeping the agreement between the EU and Turkey will be to the financial and international benefit of Turkey. A European course for Turkey means two things right now, to keep the death penalty reinstatement away, on one hand, and on the other hand to keep the agreement between EU – Turkey. On the issue of using the refugees as a political spear, I believe it is a huge mistake. On the other hand, for one to say that one is ready, one should mention the burden of such aggressive actions, meaning that the coasts right across are not safeguarded or that they are encouraged.
For us worrying means that we take the measures necessary. The measures we take concern the safeguarding of sea borders and preparing for hosting refugees and the international procedures concerning political asylum. The situation right now is managed along with the other co-competent ministries.
