The Alternate Minister of National Defence Dimitris Vitsas in an interview he gave to newspaper “Eidiseis” to journalist Vasilis Skouris which was published on 15 July 2017, stated the following:

QUESTION: What point could the Turkish provocativeness reach in the EEZ of Cyprus Mr. Minister?

ANSWER: We have an important development. The global community sets its limits actively. It acknowledges fully the right of the Republic of Cyprus to use its EEZ. So, what point the Turkish provocativeness could reach in relation to this specific issue does not depend so much on the intention and plans of the Turkish side which is trapped between serious contradictions that it created by itself, as on the limits which the global community can actively set. In my opinion, a firewall has been created up to which international legitimacy is observed and it allows the Republic of Cyprus, a sovereign country – with a partially occupied territory – to exercise its sovereignty rights. So what differentiates today’s situation in relation to the old one is a sort of internationalization of the Cyprus issue.

QUESTION: To what extent will Greece support the Republic of Cyprus?

ANSWER: Fully. Our cooperation is constant and uninterrupted. Greece’s support to the republic of Cyprus is based on three principles: International Legitimacy, particular bonds between the peoples of Greece and Cyprus and sense of responsibility of Greece towards the Republic of Cyprus. We do not forget, however, that any threat against Cyprus is usually part of a strategy of threats against Greece’s sovereignty rights as well. And no matter how we try to prevent this from happening, the other side is always willing to confirm it. In any case, what we ask for is peace, security and stability in the region. We will not do anybody the favour to be involved in rhetoric of tense, nor to a zone of instability.

QUESTION: Should I assume that the Hellenic Armed Forces have increased their readiness?

ANSWER: Greece’s Armed Forces are trained and equipped to fulfill their mission whenever it is necessary. They are always ready for it realizing their duty and the importance of their mission; and along with the modern assets they possess, they have also the high morale that distinguishes the personnel across the chain of command. We are a deterrence force against any threat, even against any thought of threat against our sovereignty rights. It is not a coincidence that Greece went through an unprecedented financial crisis – whose consequences are still obvious – and despite that, our country, a country under financial supervision, has not compromised its sovereignty rights at all. This, among other things, is due to the high readiness and the deterrence force of the Hellenic Armed Forces.    

QUESTION: Do you consider the comment of the Commander of the Bank of Greece that “it is a still early for an exit to the markets” and that “two or three major privatizations must be accomplished first”, as an action of politics?
ANSWER: To me it is obvious that it was rather a comment of a politician than of a technocrat. So, this position can also be judged based on political thoughts, acts and omissions of the political past. I think that the most important is that, as a state, we have the capability to address to the markets. When and how we can do that is a decision of the government for which all the financial and political data must be taken into consideration. It is unfair, though, and this is the most polite expression I can think when opinions which spread concern and misery are expressed at home at the same time when many people worldwide acknowledge our achievements.   

QUESTION: What do you think of the severe criticism of the entire Opposition against the government, and of judges and district attorneys, regarding bald interventions to the work of justice?

ANSWER: New Democracy party, as well as parties of the opposition, make a big mistake. They believe that people will forget the situation they led our country to. I will not reproduce the opposition agenda of the New Democracy. The only thing I will say is that we should not be adding salt to injuries. There are no interventions to the work of the justice. On the contrary, the government facilitates Justice to accomplish its mission. The judicial power is independent, but it is still an institution of Democracy within specific conditions and in specific time and place. And its decisions should be respected and judged at the same time. Also, it is not right criticism to be expressed only against certain decisions of certain courts or judges and this to be considered as an alleged attack against Justice.

QUESTION: Should the disagreements be expressed in a more calm way, Mr. Minister? And yet, without any conditions and prerequisites because they undermine democracy?

ANSWER: Our democracy is so strong that it is not at risk because of the shows put on by the New Democracy party which, after having lost its usual arguments, draws its inspiration from the darkest times of the history of the Right wing and promotes polarization and scare-mongering.

QUESTION: The Democratic Alignment rejects – and yet in an absolute manner – Mr. Tsipras’ proposal on a dialogue about the programme. Why do you think they do that?

ANSWER: I am afraid that the Democratic Alignment pays for its mistakes and for the strategic decisions of right-wing social-democracy. It pays for its full identification with neo-liberalism which became obvious when they imposed the policies of the memoranda of understanding and the commitments of our country. What they say are ostensible pretexts, and they submit to a short-sighted policy of the New Democracy party with the expectation that they will regain their share in the power of the government. I am afraid that it will be too late when they realize that. But this is how things are.