Hardalias Prefecture: Greek forces are strong and ready for anywhere and whenever required

The assurance that Greece has strong and ready military forces for wherever it is required, was given from the floor of Parliament, the Deputy Minister of National Defense Nikos Hardalias.

At the same time, he stressed that Greece’s assistance in sending military defense equipment to Eastern Europe is part of our country’s contractual obligations to NATO, adding that in no case is the Greek defense shield weakened but instead is a security factor.

The occasion was the topical question of the SYRIZA MP George Tsipras, who asked for clarifications regarding the deployment of Greek army forces in the NATO Rapid Reaction Force in Eastern Europe.

“I send a reassuring message to the Greek people that they must feel safe because we have strong and ready forces for wherever and whenever required. Our assistance to the NATO Rapid Reaction Force is part of our country’s obligations and in no way weakens its defense. “sending military equipment to Ukraine”, Mr. Hardalias stated characteristically.

For his part, Mr. Tsipras spoke about opaque procedures, and argued that there is no information about the commitments that our country has made to NATO and the US, asking for clarifications from the government on its decision to involve our country in the war in Ukraine.

“There are reports about the deployment of Greek forces in the NATO Rapid Reaction Force in Eastern Europe, and you do not answer whether we sent them or not. We should not have been involved in the Ukraine war. Russia’s threat to Ukraine or Turkey is more important. for us? “, noted among other things the SYRIZA MP.

“There is no opacity in everything we decide and launch on major issues. It is common ground that, after the unacceptable Russian invasion of Ukraine, all the facts have changed. We must take into account the constant Russian aggression. NATO Rapid Reaction Force is necessary and has Each NATO member state decides on the mood and conditions under which it wishes to contribute within the NATO alliance and always with national security in mind. “In no case do we weaken its defense shield. On the contrary, it is a security factor as it will impose stability in the region and will increase the capabilities of the Greek air force”, replied Mr. Hardalias.

At the same time, he characterized the views on non-participation of our country in the NATO force as sterile.

“NATO Rapid Reaction Force is on high alert and can be deployed quickly when required. Greece’s participation procedures are completely transparent. Each NATO member state decides how to contribute and with what forces, based on KYSEA. And it is “The dilemma is whether the threat is greater than Russia or Turkey. We are on full alert to assist. The defense of our country is an absolute end in itself for us,” Hardalias said.

“You did not make us wiser. Your answer is vague,” Mr Tsipras said.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ