Regarding the critical developments in the Middle East and to what extent it may affect our country, the Minister of National Defense was asked to answer Nikos Dendias speaking on the show “Today” on SKAI.

“I can’t get into probabilitiess. What I wish for is a de-escalation. The firm position of all the countries that are friendly towards Israel and condemned Iran’s attack against it, do not wish for the spread of this war,” the minister emphasized and added: “When you are a few thousand miles from a war, you don’t expect anything good. There are already effects on the economy from the situation in the Red Sea as maritime transport has been disrupted. 60% does not pass through the Suez Canal, products are missing and prices are rising in Europe”.

Asked about the way Israel intercepted Iran’s missiles, Mr. Dendias said that in our planning there is the creation of an anti-aircraft interception system. “The country must be closed,” he noted characteristically. “Watching the wars in Ukraine, we estimated that the country it had to acquire an anti-aircraft and anti-drone canopy”.

In fact, the Minister of National Defense stated that Turkey has taken many steps in this direction. “We didn’t see it too early. The innovation system, with the exception of small businesses, did not appreciate the situation, so we need to make up for lost time, but at the same time make great strides in creating the domes,” he said, adding that it is not something that will happen immediately.

“There is a planned expenditure that is part of the 2030 agenda,” said Minister Nikos Dendias.

When asked if the military agreements signed by our country provide for support, he emphasized that there is no article that provides for assistance against an ally in the North Atlantic Alliance.
“Greece is not an aggressive power, what it plans is to defend the territory, but it must be able to shield itself. In anti-aircraft this is possible”, Mr. Dendias noted, among other things.

For the marine parks the Minister of National Defense stressed that what Turkey did was not acceptable. In other words, in Antipaxos when I fish, I have to call the Turks if I can” and he added “if it is possible to ask Turkey’s permission to protect the environment of the Cyclades”.

In conclusion, Mr. Dendias said that Turkey must realize that Greece has specific rights in the Aegean arising from International Law. She likes them well, she doesn’t like them well.” Regarding the 12 miles, he said that there is a permanent position of sovereignty and Greece will exercise it when the Greek interest dictates it.