By Yannis Anifantis

With a phrase from Thucydides’ dialogue between the Miliians and the Athenians, the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias concluded his position in the debate on the state budget, formulating his position on the need for continuous reinforcement of the armed forces.

“It is good to remember what I was taught in high school, the dialogue between the Athenians and Melians in the 5th book of Thucydides. At the outset it is clearly stated that law is considered when there is equal power to enforce it. When there is no power the strong do what their power allows and the weak concede what their weakness dictates. In the ancient text the phrase is: strong and the prominent act and the weak are excused. Gentlemen, I do not want my country to be excused”, emphasized the Minister, underlining that only if we are also militarily strong can we support international law.

Responding to the objections of the opposition regarding the increased defense spending, the Minister of National Defense emphasized: “I will propose to you the one and basic criterion after making an assumption in principle: Is the country threatened?” yes or no? and where does the main threat to the country come from? Can we all agree that the neighboring country has an expressed casus belli in the event that we exercise our sovereign rights? Is he trying to impose the illegal and non-existent Turkish-Libyan memorandum by force?”. In fact, proceeding to compare the numbers with the neighboring country, he points out that Turkey spends 14 times what Greece spends, while the population gap between the 2 countries is 1 in 10.

Referring to the Armed Forces, he spoke about a new era, making an extensive analysis of the new equipment program over a decade and also of the canopy for anti-aircraft and anti-drone protection. “We are entering a new era in which we can produce and provide solutions to our defense problems,” he added. Regarding the issue of staff housing, he made it clear that by 2030 all the needs of those relocated will be met: “Wherever the homeland relocates someone, either alone or with his family, he will also give him a key to a house,” he said.

He also made an extensive reference to personnel issues, clarifying that the housing program for the executives is progressing and in a short time the need will be met: “Whoever is relocated by the homeland, will also be given a key with a house, as is done in all advanced armies in planet”.