N. Dendias from Thessaloniki: Our country consents to anti-aircraft going to France for the Olympics

“If France formulates in writing the verbal request for the provision of Crotale, for the protection of Paris, for the Olympic Games, our country will consent”, emphasized today the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendiasin his statements after a meeting he had with the Governor of Central Macedonia, Apostle Tzitzikosta, in the District’s service building. “Alas if we, the country that has signed a defense agreement with the French republic, does not help the Olympic Games that represent everything Greek in this world,” said Mr. Dendias regarding the provision of the Crotale all-weather mobile anti-aircraft system. He emphasized, after all, that Greece has sufficient systems.

Responding to a journalist’s question about the issues of weapons systems that may be transferred to Ukraine, the Minister said: “the government representative was appointed, after being informed by the Ministry of National Defense. Patriots will not be transferred, S-300s will not be transferred, the country is not going to be deprived of what is necessary for its defense and the protection of the core interests of our homeland.”

At the same time, he underlined that the Ministry of National Defense is a key ministry, in which the doors are always open to inform the opposition parties and political leaders on any issue of national defense. “I am always available to inform the Parliament, the parties about anything more special that is needed” he added.

In another journalist’s question about the involvement of the Greek frigate HYDRA to protect a merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden, he emphasized that “there was an extremely successful operation to stop an attack against a merchant ship.” “That’s why the steamer went there. We know our staff is operating in a danger zone. I had said it from the beginning, I had been to HYDRA when it was operating. It needs the absolute support of the Greek society but also don’t kid us about it, the crew is gaining invaluable experience in real conditions, just like the Patriot array we have in the wider area” he added.

SOURCE: APE-ME