“It is obvious that the way the conditions have developed, every year we must have more means, more firefighters and, of course, even more sophisticated service plans” he emphasized in an interview with ERT Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakisspeaking on the show “CONNECTIONS”, referring to Mscatastrophic fires of recent days.

“It’s a new realitywhich we have to face” noted Mr. Marinakis, adding that the absolute priority was and is the protection of human life: “Greece has mourned victims and we must mourn no more casualties on the fire front and on any such natural disaster front.”

Mr. Marinakis also referred to the developments with Albania, sending a clear message to Tirana, regarding the Beleri case, while referring to the opposition, he underlined that “unfortunately, it continues – as if there were no elections – to instrumentalize, to try to instrumentalize every possible and improbable reason” and noted, referring to the fires, that “even if it is a phenomenon that happens all over the world, it tries to find benefits anywhere”. The government spokesman said that he would not confront the opposition saying that “we do not have the time at the moment and the seriousness of the situation does not allow us to enter into such a confrontation”.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky yesterday the government spokesman said that what Greece wants to do is to support Ukraine, its European perspective, its reconstruction, and help either by training the pilots or in whatever way is decided.

“We did it from the very beginning. It is our duty. We have seen what violation means, we have seen what land occupation means, we have lived, especially the older ones, what happened in Cyprus. The Prime Minister also mentioned it. And it is our duty to continue in this direction. We stand by Ukraine, we stand by the struggle of the Ukrainian people in practice. And we will continue to be even if some people don’t want it,” said Mr. Marinakis.

Referring to developments with Albania sent a clear message to Tirana, saying that its European path goes through respect for the rules of law.

“There are some red lines that Kyriakos Mitsotakis and this Government do not even take half a step back from. The European course of Albania goes through this respect of these Rules, the Rules of Law, the European Rules. This is clear, we have made it clear, it is not just words that matter, actions matter too. And yesterday in Athens – on a difficult day for our country with all these fires – came the leadership of Europe, Mrs. von der Leyen and Mr. Michel, the leaders of the Western Balkans came, 9 leaders of States and met, accepting the composition and the agenda with a very important Declaration, which was subsequently signed. I think this is the positive news. Greece is the star, she is the star at all levels. A country, which, let’s remember, a few years ago – not to make an opposition to the Opposition, but to see where we started – was negative news worldwide, was a “beggar” in the European Union. Our country has reached another level thanks to the sacrifices of the Greek citizens, thanks to the efforts of the government” said Mr. Marinakis.