G. Economou: We are ready at any time to protect the Greeks of Ukraine

The Greeks of Mariupol, said Giannis Oikonomou in an interview with the television station OPEN, are in the heart of the war zone. “The conditions are very difficult. Our Consulate remains there, the Ambassador is returning to the area. Our consular authorities are in constant contact with the Greek element. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicates daily with our consular authorities there,” he said. . Regarding the removal of the Greeks from Mariupol, he stressed that things went well and “we are ready at any time, within the framework of the possible, because we are talking about war, to do what is necessary to protect our people and provide them with any assistance they themselves want in these extremely difficult conditions they face “.

The government spokesman also said that at this time there is no danger to our sailors and noted that the closer one is to the hearth of the war, the more reasonable is the concern of his relatives of the people who are there.

Regarding Greek-Turkish, Mr. Economou reiterated that the communication channels are always open. “The Greek Prime Minister is always ready to talk to the Turkish President. It is well known and very specific what our differences are and what is the way to seek their settlement. From there and beyond it is also known that the country has a side international treaties, international law, strong alliances The country has climbed many steps in terms of strengthening its geopolitical footprint in the last two years, with the alliances and agreements it has concluded, with the strengthening of not to behave arrogantly or revisitively, but to make it absolutely clear everywhere that it will effectively defend its sovereign rights and our national rights and, secondly, that the country wants to be a factor of stability in the Aegean and the SE Mediterranean “And he is looking for the same from the opposite side,” he noted.

Regarding the sending of military equipment to Ukraine, he stated that the country did the morally correct and nationally imperative and stressed that Greece has both mind and knowledge in the face of Turkey’s challenges. “Methodically, in a very substantial way, the Government’s policy in recent years has led us not to be trapped in painful dilemmas. And in this direction we will continue as a factor of peace and stability in the wider region, leading the new architecture of the strategy of autonomy. of Europe and of course always defending our sovereign rights and our national rights “, he underlined.

At the same time, he said that countries that have traditionally been neutral have already taken a very clear stance against this revision of Russia, not only in condemnation of words, but also in terms of participating in the support of the Ukrainian people. “I think Turkey itself has received the message that such attempts to challenge international treaties and international law do not go unnoticed and that the civilized world, the western world, our partners in the EU and NATO are not ready. Let me add that at a time when the country has needed the assistance of the EU, our partners there for the last two years, and I am talking about the asymmetric threat in Evros, the attempted invasion of refugees – immigrants “At that time, which was organized by the Turkish side, there was support from the European side,” he added.

Among other things, he added: “The country has, with the position and attitude it has taken, honored its role in the face of the need for stability, for peace, for democracy. It is on the side of the people whose lives are in danger at this time. of civilians fleeing to save their lives is on the side of international law. “A concern for security in general, sees war scenes on our continent. The country is not there, it is not weak, it is not alone, it is not a wing in the wind and this has not happened by chance. Greece has become very strong.” .

Regarding the price increases, the government spokesman stated that the targeted interventions planned by the Government will be at such a level that they can reduce, not eliminate the very unfavorable developments and influences that the war and the energy crisis have on the life of Greek society. , households, businesses, farmers and especially the weakest.

“We have to be honest with the world. There are difficulties – they may come even harder – and there is no tool or policy or government in the world that says it will eliminate the consequences. So because conditions are extraordinary, we owe two things: Firstly, to have a relationship of trust with the people, not to lie to them, not to say things to them that can not be done, and secondly, not to sit idly by. The support we give for And now, as the Prime Minister said yesterday, we are coming up with additional support measures, especially for the most vulnerable. The Prime Minister has recognized them and touched on them yesterday and went even further. He referred to the difficulties faced by young couples in housing, they are things that are difficult they live their lives above. It is a policy of support that comes next to a policy of tax relief, which we have been consistently implementing lately. “A policy that leads to an indirect increase in income,” he said.

Finally, Mr. Economou stated that there is no case of military involvement of the country in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Greece, then, if asked to send some forces that it has already committed to within NATO, under NATO command, will do so in the countries that are to go. That is, in support of Romania or Bulgaria. I always say in support This is not something new, it’s an obligation when you join a Union or an International Organization. Obviously, when it happens in calm times, one understands that it will happen in times of tension. “Greek helicopters, planes or anything else will go to the front of the war,” he clarified.

Source: AMPE