The Alternate Minister of National Defence Panos Rigas, in an interview he gave, on Tuesday 18 June 2019, to the REAL FM radio station and the journalists Dimitris Kambourakis and Stefania Kasimi, mentioned the following, among other things:
Our country is a factor of stability in the region and we have proven that and it has also been ascertained by all the European countries but also by international factors. The Governmental Council on Foreign Policy and National Defence convened to send a strict message to all sides that we are facing the Turkish provocations with composure and decisiveness. The morale of the Armed Forces is high and our deterrent capability is substantial. That can be a message to Turkey but also to the Greek people so that they can feel safe.
No one should even think about challenging our sovereign rights. We managed during the crisis to face the situation with an even smaller budget (a fact honouring the Armed Forces), in contrast with the previous years when great sums of money were available, but we all know the way they were spent. When a state is conducting an armaments race, it does not automatically become stronger. There are many other data and elements which affect a country’s deterrent force.
International Law and Cyprus’ and Greece’s sovereign rights cannot be violated. The opposite will bear consequences. Greece, through its international alliances, is stronger than ever. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Katrougalos, who is in Brussels for the Foreign Affairs Council configuration of the Council of the European Union in order to make contacts with his European counterparts, moved towards that direction and of course after his return he will brief the leaders of the political parties.
I would like to stress that we should not give others the opportunity to call our capabilities in question. I say this due to Mr Simitis’ article published last week, which I consider to be an unacceptable piece of writing, regarding its content and also regarding the chosen time, because it allows others to question our national sovereignty and rights, as they arise from the International Treaties.
No interpretations are needed as we head to elections. Our country will be characterised by stability no matter the outcome of the elections. This is our permanent view and the New Democracy party will have to act accordingly and I believe that it will do so.
