Rhodes was at the center of an event titled “Sea of Memory – Greek Land – The Dodecanese in Greece’s Embrace,” with Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis as the keynote speaker. Minister Gerapetritis chose to emphasize not only the memory of this historic anniversary, but also the role that the South Aegean islands are called to play today on the country’s national and geopolitical map. Against the backdrop of rapid developments in the Middle East and increased tensions in the broader region, the minister sent a clear message of determination, emphatically stating that the defensive fortification of Greek islands constitutes the country’s top priority and that Greece will never back down on this issue.
Gerapetritis: Dodecanese and defensive fortification at the center of the event
The event, according to dimokratiki.gr, took place in the afternoon at the Acandia hotel and constituted a symbolic tribute to one of the most significant moments in modern Greek history – the incorporation of the Dodecanese into the national territory on March 7, 1948. The evening’s atmosphere was charged with the historical significance of the day, but also with the sense that this year’s anniversary comes at a time that gives the islands even greater strategic weight. Giorgos Gerapetritis, in his speech, focused on the long journey of the Dodecanese and their position on the national map, giving particular emphasis to the resilience and timeless presence of Hellenism in the region. As he characteristically noted, Hellenism is not lost either under violence or under regimes of pressure, and the Dodecanese constitute living proof of this historical truth. In this way, he connected the anniversary not only with the past but also with the present, emphasizing that the islands’ history is not a museum artifact but active national capital.
The most resounding point of his intervention came when he referred to the defense of the islands. The Foreign Minister stated clearly that the defensive fortification of the islands is the country’s first priority and that the Greek side will never retreat in this field. This reference acquired even greater significance, as it was made from Rhodes, at a time when the geopolitical environment around Greece is characterized by uncertainty, nervousness, and constant realignments.
Gerapetritis: Rhodes’ message with historical and political depth
The event was attended by representatives of local government, parliamentary representation of the prefecture, local society, and New Democracy, which gave the evening the character of broader political unity around the anniversary’s message. Present were South Aegean Regional Governor Giorgos Chatzimarkos, Rhodes Mayor Alexandros Koliadis, prefecture MPs, deputy regional governors, deputy mayors, organization representatives, and other political and institutional figures. Giorgos Chatzimarkos, for his part, emphasized that this year’s anniversary has even greater meaning, as it comes at a time of crises and geopolitical challenges. As he noted, the Foreign Minister’s presence in Rhodes for this two-day period has special significance and sends a message with particular weight. In this way, he sought to highlight that the Incorporation anniversary is not limited to a historical retrospective but acquires contemporary significance, especially for border regions.
Giorgos Gerapetritis’ remarks acquired particular emotional charge when he also referred to his own origins from Karpathos, recalling personal moments and memories of his father. This reference gave a more personal character to his speech, connecting the political message with his own experiential relationship with the Dodecanese. At the same time, the minister did not fail to speak about Cyprus, emphasizing that strengthening Cyprus constitutes a duty of brother to brother, thus extending the discussion to the broader national framework. Earlier, there had been an extensive closed-door meeting at the South Aegean Region, with the minister’s participation and representatives of local authorities and organizations.
Source: dimokratiki.gr
