PANAGIOTIS RIGAS: NATIONALISM IS ONE THING AND PATRIOTISM AND THE PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRY’S INTERESTS IS ANOTHER
On Saturday, 8 September 2018, the Alternate Minister of National Defence Panagiotis Rigas, attended the inauguration of the Armed Forces’ pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair and afterwards he visited various pavilions.
THE ALTERNATE MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE, in an interview given to the “STO KOKKINO” radio station, which took place in a room appropriately arranged for this occasion, in the interior of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, stated among others:
Regarding his recent visits to the C’ and D’ Army Corps:
As I pointed out, the fact that has a special meaning is, that the Hellenic Armed Forces, apart from their mission regarding our country’s security and territorial integrity, have a second mission as well, that is the contribution to society. This contribution to society becomes practice in many areas. The D’ Army Corps, in particular, executes a series of actions that considerably support the local society of Thrace.
Regarding the relations with Turkey:
The policy that the Hellenic government follows is very specific. It is a policy that depends on the following axes: Peace preservation in the area. A multilateral foreign policy practice and primarily the shaping of the relations with all parties involved, so that tensions are weakened, especially in a critical area, which constitutes a geographical arc with many problems. This is apparent in the fact that we are security pillars in the wider area and this is acknowledged by foes and friends. Regarding Turkey, the message is clear, that there is no other way than the peaceful coexistence and problems’ resolution, a fact that supports the economic growth of the area as well. Despite the different pursuits that may exist in the area, we will persist. We keep up with the developments and seek friendly relations with all those who contribute to the security of the area. This is something we maintained, we still do, and we will persist on this strategy. Regarding USA-Turkey relations, an effort is made by us to reduce the tension, in the sense that we do not wish to have problems in our territory that may get out of hand.
Regarding the “Macedonia Naming Dispute” and the Prespes Agreement:
The agreement has very specific terms. You know very well that I personally, even under my former capacity, supported this agreement and I still do. This agreement has very specific characteristics. First, it resolves a long standing problem. Second, it establishes security terms in the area. The Balkans had a difficult time and in particular, we had borders’ changes for the first time after World War II. So, this solution creates security and economic growth terms in the wider area. Therefore, this helps our country and the rest of the Balkan countries as well. This extreme nationalism must stop, since it does not form the terms to protect the country. Patriotism and the love for the homeland is one thing and extreme nationalism is another, which has nothing to do with our country’s protection of interests. This message is well understood by the majority of the Greek people here and in Macedonia. It is for the benefit of all that this agreement is fulfilled and it will be.
Regarding the consequences of the end of memoranda, as far as the people are concerned:
I believe that this is already apparent. Tonight, the Prime Minister will pave the way, through the announcements in his speech, so that the effort made will be projected even more. We refer to the collective labour agreements, the increase of the lowest salary. We refer to the expansion of the collective labour agreements, which was implemented. I remind you that all this time we fought a battle, supporting the people who had suffered the most. We want everyone to be part of the development which will come.
