The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the Ministry of National Defence, where he was briefed by the Political and Military Leadership.

After their meeting, the Minister of National Defence Panos Kammenos made the following statement:

“It is a great honour and pleasure that the Prime Minister visited today the Ministry of National Defence and was briefed by the Political and Military Leadership; his visit is of great importance during the critical times our country is experiencing. The Greek Armed Forces ensure stability within the country, the defence of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stability in regard of the country’s alliances.

Therefore, regardless of the financial crisis, the Hellenic Armed Forces, beginning with the personnel, the Leadership, the Officers, the NCOs, the men and women in the Armed Forces, are this state’s stable pillar. A democratic army and the democratic Armed Forces carry on preserving with their mission the country’s image, domestically and abroad.

I would like to thank the Prime Minister who ensured us that any suggestions made by our partners and creditors will not include reductions in the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces, and the personnel in particular, has experienced a reduction of their income more than 50% and the budget has reached the limits of our capacity to maintain our systems and our power”.