Among other topics, Nikos Dendias addressed developments in Greek-Turkish relations, the Ukrainian drone issue, and Agenda 2030 while speaking on Wednesday afternoon (20/05) at the “Circle of Ideas” conference that concludes today. “Greece has not the slightest claim against Turkey,” the Defense Minister said characteristically, emphasizing however that if a new operational crisis occurs in the Aegean, the country will defend its borders and rights. Referring to Greek-Turkish relations and reports about a potential legislative intervention by Ankara regarding the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, the Defense Minister was clear: “I don’t belong to those who believe the narrative of ‘calm waters’.” In the same context, he clarified that Athens does not have a revisionist agenda against Ankara.
Dendias on moving Patriot systems from Karpathos
Specifically, the minister began his remarks with the issue of Patriot systems that were moved from Karpathos, rejecting the interpretation that their presence was connected to the Turkish threat. “The Patriots didn’t go to Karpathos to address the Turkish threat. The reason for their deployment had to do with the missile threat from Iran,” he stated, explaining that the non-launch of missiles from Iran for six weeks led to their relocation.
Moreover, Mr. Dendias warned about the danger of “Turkey-centrism,” meaning the tendency to interpret all issues exclusively through the lens of relations with Turkey. “Many times I have warned about the danger of Turkey-centrism. And this does not honor us”, he noted. In this context, he emphasized that the decision to deploy and relocate the Patriots was Greek. “We didn’t ask NATO to deploy them, nor did we ask to remove them from there”, he said characteristically.
Dendias: Ukraine owes a big apology for the drone
Meanwhile, referring to the Ukrainian drone that was detected in Lefkada, the minister reiterated the danger of an accident with significant casualties, emphasizing that Ukraine owes an “apology” to both Greece and Europe. “And the absolute assurance that such a thing will not be repeated in the region,” the Defense Minister added.
Agenda 2030 and elections
Speaking about armaments and Agenda 2030, Nikos Dendias argued that there should be “common ground” between parties, explaining that the new holistic approach gives our country the ability to defend its national space in multiple ways.
Finally, regarding the upcoming elections, Mr. Dendias reiterated that New Democracy will seek a clear governance mandate, while emphasizing that ND has supported coalition governments in the past. “The answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean we will go to the elections with cooperation as our motto. We will go seeking the vote of the Greek people to implement our own program,” he noted characteristically.
