Government Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis discussed Greece’s relations with Egypt, Israel and the broader Middle East region today during an appearance on SKAI radio station. “Greece has a multidimensional presence in the broader Middle East region and traditionally maintains credibility with all sides. We are available to all parties to contribute to the next day, which we want to be a day of peace,” he stated characteristically, referencing recent developments following the Gaza Summit. He notably pointed out that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was one of 20 leaders who participated in the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit in Egypt, therefore this is not a state that—as the opposition wants to present—chooses to have relations only with Israel.
Read: Hatzidakis: The October 28th parade at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier “will proceed as it should”
Hatzidakis: We have positioned ourselves in favor of establishing a Palestinian state
Regarding our country’s relations with Israel, Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized: “Greece has a strategic alliance with Egypt, with the UAE, very close contacts with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states, very frequent presence in Lebanon, strategic alliance with Israel and close cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. We have consistently positioned ourselves in favor of establishing a Palestinian state—the issue is timing and specific handling. Previous governments of PASOK and SYRIZA had also understood the need to have close relations with Israel, because our position at this point on the map underscores this necessity. We had and have a role that gives us credibility throughout the entire region”. He also emphasized that credit should be given to President Trump for developments—with whatever reservations one might have, because this region of the planet has experienced countless troubles—that until a few weeks ago would have seemed inconceivable.
“I’m surprised by PASOK’s position on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”
Meanwhile, the government deputy prime minister, when asked about the initiative to protect the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument, emphasized: “The right to assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution. One can protest throughout the country, even in Syntagma Square itself. The discussion concerns the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which carries special weight in all countries worldwide. The question is: out of the entire territory, is the place one wants to demonstrate right on top of the monument? Is there no other space? The government’s intention is to assign responsibility for maintenance and enhancement of the monument to the Ministry of National Defense, in the sense that this particular ministry has responsibility for the Armed Forces, which are connected to the nation’s struggles. Also, the presidential guard is located there. The prime minister clarified that the Greek Police will have responsibility for restoring order. There are obviously intragovernmental understandings and the relevant regulation will be submitted with the signatures of all competent ministers.” However, he expressed his surprise at the opposition’s reaction, especially from PASOK. “One might perhaps expect this from certain extremists, but I didn’t expect it from parties like PASOK. Their voters are in a space of moderation and common sense and cannot understand why the monument should specifically in Greece have an appearance that serves its purpose and bears no relation to corresponding hero monuments in Europe and the world.”
OPEKEPE: Basic support payments for 2024 to be disbursed within the coming days
Additionally, Mr. Hatzidakis emphasized that there is absolute respect for the Tempe victims and their families, and the Athens Municipality correctly decided to proceed with erecting a special monument. “This should not be confused with respect for the nation’s heroes. We must keep the monument in the position it deserves and which it holds in all civilized states worldwide,” he noted and added: “The October 28th parade will proceed as it should”. Regarding developments in the OPEKEPE issue, the government deputy prime minister mentioned that not only farmers, but the government itself would like payments to begin immediately. “I want to clarify to everyone—both farmers and parliamentarians of all parties—that if we start paying without taking into account the conditions set by the European Commission—which told us on August 4th that ignoring the conditions could lead to suspension of subsidies—it would be a huge mistake. We have given direction to the organization’s new administration to exhaust every possibility to address the problems and create a new positive reality compatible with the European Union. In the coming days, the remainder of basic support for 2024 will be paid, subsidies for wine, organic farming and organic beekeeping, later for Daniel storm materials, for animal feed. The fact that OLAF came and is investigating from 2014 until today objectively complicates the effort.”
Universities and occupations
In conclusion, Mr. Hatzidakis mentioned regarding universities and potential occupations: “There is the legislative framework and the will to address the issue. The new law on legality in universities is in effect and its regulations will be implemented. It provides that students who engage in illegal actions lose their student status until the court decides. And rectors who refuse to implement the law are removed from office.” The law on non-state universities is being implemented, four out of twelve that submitted applications have already been licensed and their operation will follow soon. This government has tried with specific methods to impose legality and has achieved this to a large extent.
