Conference with central theme: “Strategic Choices of Eleftherios Venizelos in Foreign Policy” co-organized by the School of National Defense and the National Foundation for Research Studies “Eleftherios K. Venizelos”in the amphitheater of the Athens War Museum.
The start of work was announced by the Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos who referred to the elements of the personality of Eleftherios Venizelos, that is, his great strategic thinking, “Greece of the two continents and the five seas”its strategic targeting, “To put Greece on the right side of history”its extroversion, its credibility and its bargaining power to, among other things, “minimize the harm and maximize the benefits after the national catastrophe”.
“The last element, which does not refer only to Eleftherios Venizelos in my humble opinion, but is a basic condition for the country to move forward and achieve victories. In its long history, our country, especially in modern times, alternates between great national victories, but also very serious national catastrophes. Whenever we achieved historic and great national victories, I think there were three basic elements – that is, together:
Firstly, strong and determined leadership, secondly, the highest morale of the people, a national solidarity, a collective feeling, which pushed the people to participate in great national efforts with all their might and this of course had nationally beneficial results and thirdly, strong Armed forces who assisted in this endeavor.
Eleftherios Venizelos through his course was and contributed to all three elements. He was a strong leader, of course! The national collective morale, inspired him through his leadership and example and the strong Armed Forces contributed very decisively to create and put their contribution, their very big stone in the great national effort, the realization of the great national of his ideas and vision.
If the question is for the country to have and elaborate its National Strategy in turbulent times in a complex, perhaps more complex than ever, and potentially destabilizing geopolitical environment, as it is today, then I think that the example of Eleftherios Venizelos is not very only to teach and inspire us “, he concluded.
“The contribution of the Cretan politician to the wider geographical and not only the enlargement of the Greek state, is considered crucial. It was his insight, intelligence, courage and determination that pushed him to take critical action. Possessing endless faith in his abilities and steely will, he was the rock of our homeland in difficult times, which required international actions and decisions that few could take. Its scope exceeds the borders of Greece, since its action was largely related to actions outside the country.
In addition to his excellent knowledge of the geopolitical environment and the international scene, his poor ability to negotiate and negotiate at the highest level, especially abroad, has contributed decisively to his successful course. This event was a very important factor for the subsequent national successes, in combination with the upgrade of the Greek Army.
His enormous contribution, however, lies in the decisive expansion of Greek territory and in ensuring the terms and conditions of peace and good neighborliness with Turkey, through the signing of important treaties and agreements. From a diplomatic point of view, all these achievements could be characterized as feats, given the small power of Greece at that time. They are for all of us young people, models of exemplary, intelligent and patriotic leadership, proving his genius and the diversity of his personality and abilities “, pointed out in his speech, among others, the Deputy Minister of National Defense Nikos Hardalias.
“Eleftherios Venizelos worked responsibly, methodically, persistently and uniquely in international forums for the promotion of national interests and the success of national goals. One of his first initiatives when he took over as prime minister was to reorganize and strengthen the country’s Armed Forces on land, at sea and in the air, at a time when the Air Force was taking its first steps. In fact, he took over the Ministries of the Army and the Navy, a fact that proves the enormous importance he attached to the factor of military power. As a result of his concern for the Armed Forces, their fighting power reached a very high level within two years, a fact that created the ideal conditions for the Greek epic of the Balkan Wars.
During his time, Greece grew, doubled in size and population, while at the same time its international position was significantly upgraded as areas of special geopolitical importance were liberated and integrated into it. This was followed by the right strategic choice for the country to enter the First World War on the side of the Entente forces, since with his insight he predicted that in this way the national interests would be better served. And he was fully justified in his choice. “
“Eleftherios Venizelos received a small Greece and managed to catch a breath of its full national integration”, remarked in his speech the head of GEETHA, general Konstantinos Floros.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias also spoke at the meeting, while the Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Charalambos Lalousis, the Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Stylianos Petrakis, the Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Themistoklis Bourolias, the President of D. of the War Museum Anastasios Liaskos and the general director of the National Research Foundation “Eleftherios K. Venizelos” Nikolaos Papadakis.
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