Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou said foreign policy and defense cannot be discussed in terms of populism, flag-waving or narrow party interest, arguing that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's government has proven it protects the national interest. He made the comments during an appearance on ERTnews Radio 105.8 on Sunday morning.
Chatzivasileiou said the deployment of Greece's Armed Forces is not a matter for public debate, negotiation or an exchange of views with other countries. He said the Ministry of National Defence and the leadership of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff are responsible for proposing such matters, while final decisions rest with the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence, based on the national interest.
Support for Cyprus
Turning to support for the Republic of Cyprus, Chatzivasileiou said the Mitsotakis government has shown in practice that when it needed to redeploy national forces to protect Hellenism as a whole, it acted immediately and without delay. He noted that Greek aircraft remain stationed in Cyprus and that the country's defense posture is adjusted continually according to prevailing conditions.
Turkish marine park plans
Asked about Turkish announcements regarding marine parks, Chatzivasileiou said the Greek Foreign Ministry responded immediately and unambiguously. He said the Turkish plans are illegal because they cover areas in international waters, where no country can unilaterally establish marine protected zones. He added that the plans also extend into the Greek continental shelf, meaning they carry no legal effect either over international waters or over Greece's continental shelf rights.
Rafale and F-16 upgrades cited
Chatzivasileiou said Greece answers populism and cost-free criticism with actions and results, pointing to the purchase of Rafale fighter jets, the upgrade of the F-16 fleet and Greece's progress toward acquiring F-35 jets. He said Turkey, by contrast, is still trying to secure capabilities that Greece has already set in motion.
