G. Economou: We are sending to Ukraine anything that is not necessary for the Greek Armed Forces

For the sending of armor to Ukraine but also for the position of the Prime Minister that there can be no equal distances between Greece and Turkey, “which violates international law and directly threatens a member state of the European Union, with threats, challenges, government’s spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said in a television interview with SKAI. Especially for the Turkish provocation, he underlined that “we immediately deconstruct with arguments, based on logic, based on International Law, based on the Treaties, all this absurdity and Ankara’s lionesses and we are always on the alert”.

Regarding aid to Ukraine, Mr. Oikonomou stressed that “it is a decision that is part of the basic choice of the country to stand by Ukraine” and noted: “There was a decision of KYSEA to send in addition to humanitarian aid and armored defense equipment “Everything we have sent to Ukraine so far is part of this decision. First of all, it is in line with the principles of our foreign policy and what everyone in Europe is doing. And secondly, we are sending to Ukraine anything that is not necessary. Anything we send that could potentially be used, but is obsolete, is replaced with more modern weapons, in this case, these armored personnel carriers, the country received in 1992. They are production, that is, 40 They are essentially inactive, they fit the needs of Ukraine, because they have such spare parts and can take advantage. And the Germans will replace them with new modern ones, three or four generations ahead. “So, we have a development that is beneficial for the country.”

Mr. Oikonomou also clarified that “first the modern ones will come and then they will leave” and stressed: “So, we have an opportunity to modernize a material, which is necessary in the Armed Forces. What we give does not diminish our operational in anything. The country is consistent in its decision with all its partners and allies, in addition to humanitarian aid, in addition to words, to substantially strengthen Ukraine’s efforts to “The process that is taking place now follows an agreement between the two Staffs, namely the Greek National Defense Staff and the respective German Staff. The discussion between the two leaders, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of Germany, was a little busy.”

He added that “there is no special information procedure, in the sense that it is not something that requires a new institutional process. KYSEA has made a lasting decision. Anyone who wants to be informed, obviously the Ministry of National Defense will inform. What is It is clear that the country is modernizing its fleet on these vehicles, seizing this opportunity, and, of course, we are consistent with a key principle we have taken on the Ukraine war from the beginning, in line with our partners “.

Equal distances from partners and allies cannot be maintained

“The position of the Prime Minister is absolute that there can be no equal distances between Greece and Turkey, which violates international law and directly attacks a member state of the European Union, with threats, challenges, leontarianism that are not based on any legal basis. This position has been expressed in both the United States and our NATO allies and partners in the European Union, and there is already a backlash. Senator Menendez made it clear in the United States that he is opposed to the “thawing” of Turkish armaments. He showed him the facts, he showed him the maps. I think the German Chancellor seemed to understand the context in which Turkey is moving and the threats against our country. “Beyond that, it is clear that we are not happy with a tactic and a logic of equal distances,” said Mr. Economou.

Our country will face this phase of Turkish provocation with confidence

Regarding the Turkish provocation, the government spokesman said: “We have an escalation of tension on the part of Turkey. This is not the first time we see this. This is the reality. Our country will face this phase of the Turkish conflict with confidence. First of all, because we are right. The law is on our side. International law is on our side. Secondly, because our country has strong alliances and strong Agreements, which strengthen and have further enhanced its geostrategic and geopolitical position, and thirdly, based on the government’s choice to strengthen the country in terms of armaments. Our deterrent ability. Everyone knows this. They understand that we can be decisive at all levels. We remain calm. The Prime Minister said that we will not enter into a “ping-pong” of statements and personal characterizations. Greece does not do foreign policy like that. He does it with determination and composure. ”

As Mr. Economou stressed: “We must be ready for all the facts. We can not interpret the mood of the Turkish President. We observe this escalation. We observe the unacceptable and irrational statements, such as those of Mr. Tsavousoglou a while ago We deconstruct immediately with arguments, on the basis of logic, on the basis of International Law, on the basis of the Treaties, all this absurdity and the lionesses of Ankara and we are always on the alert.

The country’s reflexes are always activated, so that we can react effectively and directly to our sovereignty and sovereign rights. “The country is a factor of stability and security.”

The reasons for the appreciation and the rise in inflation are exogenous

Asked about the rise in prices and rising inflation, the government spokesman said: “This is a very bad and unpleasant picture that the whole world is facing – this is the reality” and noted: “The causes are exogenous. read the reasons that drive inflation to this level.The key is energy and what it entails for other product categories.The whole planet, all of Europe, all European societies are facing it “This attack on household incomes – which undoubtedly makes people’s lives difficult – we are following a solid and coherent plan to deal with the accuracy of the energy that has already begun to be implemented. From July 1, we will have a substantial suspension of the adjustment clause.” .

He pointed out that “inflation in our country, all last year was extremely low – we had reached negative inflation and that is why the growth rate this year is slightly higher than in other European countries” and added: ” “People are struggling. This is the reality. All this time we have had the issue of electricity almost everywhere. This was the key issue. The government has moderated it, dealt with it, stands by the people effectively. With fuel obviously And there is an issue all over the world, not just here. “We have to look at the limits of our budgetary resilience. The resources are not endless. And no one should be targeted by the markets.”

“We have made a number of interventions not only in terms of curbing accuracy. For example, we have increased the minimum wage and reduced ENFIA. We all pay much less ENFIA than in the past. And that is more income in the pockets of citizens. “, concluded Mr. Oikonomou in his interview.

Source: AMPE