Greece’s Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, sent a pointed message to Ankara with a specific reference to compliance with international law, speaking from the island of Paros, where he was present for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrations. Dendias represented Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the ceremonies held at the Holy Shrine of Panagia Ekatontapyliani.
“The Armed Forces safeguard our independence and territorial sovereignty, and allow us to demonstrate in the clearest possible way our commitment to international law and the law of the sea. The rules are not simply an empty text. They are the choice of the civilized part of humanity for the regulation of any issue,” the minister stated, among other remarks.
Nikos Dendias on Paros for the Assumption — his full statement
“Today, however, we live in dystopian times, where authoritarian views are attempting to overturn this hard-won achievement of humanity. Standing against such attempts are the Armed Forces of our country — to guarantee our independence, our sovereignty, and our sovereign rights,” he emphasized.
The full statement of the Minister of National Defense
“The Armed Forces of our country celebrate the Dormition of the supreme protector. The choice of the Virgin Mary highlights the value framework of the Armed Forces — a framework of protecting society, a framework of commitment to peace, and the values that define every Greek man and woman: the love of freedom, dignity, and the protection of human rights.
The Armed Forces safeguard our independence and territorial sovereignty, and allow us to demonstrate in the clearest possible way our commitment to international law and the law of the sea. The rules are not simply an empty text. They are the choice of the civilized part of humanity for the regulation of any issue. Today, however, we live in dystopian times, where authoritarian views are attempting to overturn this hard-won achievement of humanity. Standing against such attempts are the Armed Forces of our country — to guarantee our independence, our sovereignty, and our sovereign rights.
We are in the midst of a monumental effort, drawing on the sacrifices of our people — transforming the Armed Forces into the most modern Greece has ever had. We also need the blessing of the Virgin Mary.”
Nikos Dendias’ post
Στην Παναγία Εκατονταπυλιανή της Πάρου, στο Πανηγυρικό Αρχιερατικό Συλλείτουργο για τη μεγάλη εορτή της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου, Προστάτιδος των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων. #Πάρος #Εκατονταπυλιανή #ΚοίμησηΤηςΘεοτόκου #Παναγία #ΈνοπλεςΔυνάμεις pic.twitter.com/vZwtoTnuta
— Nikos Dendias (@NikosDendias) August 15, 2026
