The Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos accompanied by the Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lt General Alkiviadis Stefanis, inaugurated a school constructed by the Armed Forces at the refugees’ reception center on Tilos island.

The mayor of Tilos Maria Kamma – Aliferi and the Municipal Board declared the Minister of National Defence as an honorary citizen of the island.

The Minister of National Defence addressed a salutation stating, inter alia, the following:

‘’We are here today, to inaugurate this school, constructed with the assistance and  cooperation of the Hellenic Army, in order to meet the training requirements of the children  of the refugees’ families  living on Tilos island, as we promised with the Prime Minister during our recent visit.

I would like to say that I am especially proud, because once more Tilos  is  privileged  to provide lessons on many matters, as on the subject of the islands,  on the way a community, a nation, having many post  war refugees in the past, can embrace people seeking for our help, trying to survive leaving from a war zone, a zone of terror, abandoning their houses, where they would like to return.

The inhabitants of Tilos, assisted of course by the municipal authority, consist a model of the way they  embraced these families and today we are able to talk about a symbiosis that is an example for the whole world.

I would like to especially  thank the volunteers who contributed to  the organization of this settlement.   I would like to thank the teachers and the professors.  I am especially happy to hear that the first degrees have been awarded to the older students, following a  tuition period.

I would like to convey this  message, from here, that where  common sense and humanity exist, we can all live together.  I would like  to wish to the families of the refugees to return to their homes soon, God willing. We are certain that when we, the inhabitants of Tilos,  visit you, you are going to offer  us   the best hospitality  possible.

I would like to wish to the children spending their early childhood  years in this camp to remember Greece with dear feelings, when they are back to their homeland.

Today is a very important day for Greece. It is the day commemorating   the Fall  of Constantinople.   The Greeks were expelled from their houses, as well as the Greeks after the destruction of Smyrna.  At  that point, I would like to especially address  the Syrians.  Back then, when the crews of the ships of some European countries  pounded with their oars the Greeks to stop them from getting on their ships, the ships which hosted the first Greek refugees  were those of Syria.

We will never forget that Syria was the first country that sent humanitarian aid to Cyprus when the Turkish invasion took place.  So, in life, you get what you give.  We owed to  you and now it is the time to pay you back.

We would also like to specially thank you for the affection  you show to the local community and promise you that the Armed Forces, the municipality, the local self-government, but mainly the women and men of  Greece will do anything for you, to remember us with affection and fraternity when back in your homes.  

It is with great pleasure that we are  together inaugurating  this school wishing you to return soon to your schools, homes, cities where you will be able to raise  your children in peace.

Thank you very much’’.