N. Panagiotopoulos: We support Ukraine without affecting our defense capabilities

We stand by our allies in the EU and NATO, and we continue to support Ukraine against the invasion it receives, stressed from the floor of Parliament, the Minister of National Defense Nikos Panagiotopoulos answering a topical question of SYRIZA MP Theodoros Dritsas, on “Greek weapons and ammunition in Ukraine”.

At the same time, referring to the discussions that Athens has with its allies, about what military equipment it can dispose of, Mr. Panagiotopoulos said that it is equipment from the reserves of our Armed Forces, noting that “it is not affected at all, nor at the very least, our overall deterrent. ”

In fact, referring to a message sent by Athens “to all kinds of ubiquitous reviewers”, he said that (the allies) are asking us to send various (military materials). “In some we say we can, in others we say we can not. In what we think affects our defensive ability and there will be weakening, we boldly say no: These are not available. For a reason that we feel we are accepting, especially these days, with the delusion of Turkey, because Greece dares and stands tall, builds alliances, upgrades its Armed Forces. “Let the Turks not like it,” said Mr. Panagiotopoulos.

Speaking about the German armor case, the Minister of National Defense said that, if we reach an exchange agreement, with the many technical details that need to be clarified – which was agreed in principle, in its outline by the Greek Prime Minister and the German Chancellor – we will move on there as well. He stressed, however, that as will be shown the day after Wednesday, during the relevant briefing of the competent parliamentary committee by the competent officers, “I dare say that, (our Armed Forces) will come out reinforced and will replace a specific element of their overall equipment. , with something similar but more modern and more suitable for the mission it performs “.

For his part, Mr. Dritsas stressed the need for full information of the Parliament and the people about the weapons systems that the country sends to Ukraine. It is not possible for relevant information to be made public by the US Secretary of Defense and the German Chancellor without the full knowledge of the Greek parliament, he said.

At the same time, the SYRIZA MP claimed that what is evolving is done through illegal procedures, with assurances from the Minister of National Defense that we will not send other materials that were not observed, but, mainly, with the Prime Minister pursuing a “private” defense policy , surpassing with his moves both the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, N. Dendias. Mr. Mitsotakis “is tying the country hand and foot, in a chariot, entering a completely dangerous process, as your historical executives have shown,” said Mr. Dritsas.

Source: AMPE

Source: Capital

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