The message that "Greece is present with force wherever national duty calls for it," clarifying that "the mission in Cyprus is defensive and peaceful," was sent by Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the briefing he provided to Parliament on the occasion of his intervention in the debate on the bill on the postal vote bill for Greeks abroad.
The Prime Minister also left open the possibility of "preventive measures to avoid negative consequences from the crisis", stating that "if required, special measures will be taken to control excessive revaluations".
He also stressed that Greece's position regarding the crisis in the Middle East is "de-escalation of conflicts and a return to diplomacy, with respect for International Law."
He finally asked that "small and partisan issues give way to large and national issues" and that "consensus prevail over divisive slogans," calling on "professionals concerned" about the country's position and its international standing "to realize that foreign and defense policy is not practiced based on ideological but on national criteria."
The Prime Minister's speech
Beginning his speech, Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke of "dramatic events of great scope and intensity with economic consequences," emphasizing that "the map of global geopolitical relationships is changing, intensifying uncertainty."
"The position of our homeland is clear. We support the de-escalation of conflicts and the return of diplomacy with respect for International Law and free navigation, while the next day in Iran should guarantee the freedom and self-determination of the people who have been oppressed for 10 years. With absolute control of its nuclear and ballistic program so that Iran ceases to be a lasting threat to international and regional peace."
Speech by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Parliament
He then described that "a crisis management unit was activated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, multiple lines of communication were established in many countries. Platforms for repatriation were created," reiterating that "there is also a special plan so that when it becomes possible, when flight safety is ensured, there will be an organized return of those who wish to do so under the responsibility of the state."
"The Aris U18 team and a group of our fellow citizens from Bethlehem have already returned. Similar moves will be made in the coming days. I would like to ask our fellow citizens who are trapped in Eastern countries to remain calm and pay attention to their safety," he added in this context.
Specifically, regarding Cyprus, he stressed that "our attention is also focused on Cyprus, which is an arm of Hellenism and is closer to the war zone. After communication with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek state sent the pride of the Navy, the frigate Kimon, the frigate Psarras and 4 F-16s. Greece is present and responds wherever national and duty calls upon it and places the upgraded Armed Forces at the service of Ecumenical Hellenism. Our mission is defensive and peaceful. It is based on both bilateral and European solidarity with the aim of preventing threatening actions against the independent state of Cyprus. It has a special significance as it demonstrates in practice how we perceive the strengthening of our country. Greece was the first to rush to assist Cyprus. They followed – and this is a positive development – and France followed and possibly Germany and the United Kingdom.”
"In essence, I will not publicly list all aspects of cooperation with Cyprus, as our reports on the strategy of the Armed Forces should be concise, but also regarding the responsibilities of the Ministry of Citizen Protection on security issues, and in this context, there are policies for the Ministry of Immigration as such events generate flows. There is nothing visible, but our homeland must be prepared for any eventuality," Mr. Mitsotakis also said.
On the occasion that "these developments also affect the international economy", the Prime Minister noted that "for this reason, the competent ministries are ready to adjust their actions. We are considering preventive measures to absorb the consequences as much as possible. Increases in fuel prices should be considered a given, as should price increases in raw materials. However, speculation is another matter and if necessary, special measures will be taken to control excessive price increases".
"I close with the observation that in uncharted waters, the country's internal stability becomes a prerequisite for security and progress. Let us all understand here that it is time for the small and partisan to give way to the large and national. The opposition's introversion should now give way to a broader perspective. Consensus should prevail over divisive slogans. Professionals concerned about the country's position and its international position should understand that foreign and defense policy is not exercised with ideological but with national criteria. International Law cannot be invoked to justify hangings or to justify regimes in the Middle East. A generalized war does not produce winners. It produces crises and instability, and we do not want that. Since last Saturday, I have been in contact with all the leaders of the Middle East, conveying a message of de-escalation. They asked for attention to the situation in Lebanon. It is logical for Israel to attempt to react to unprovoked provocations from Hezbollah, but equally unacceptable would be a ground operation giving Hezbollah excuses. Not to open another front.
Source: protothema.gr
